I’ve always believed that dinner shouldn’t feel like a rushed afterthought. My best nights often start with this chicken pasta recipe simmering away as the kids finish homework and my husband sets the table. I remember the first time I made chicken pasta after a long shift at the bakery when I was twenty-two. I didn’t have a recipe just leftover rotisserie chicken, some penne, garlic, and cream. The aroma that filled my little apartment that night made me realize how powerful a simple chicken pasta recipe can be.
These days, I still reach for this recipe when I want to create something easy yet rich and hearty. It’s become a family favorite for quick weeknights, unexpected guests, or lazy Sundays. I love how a chicken pasta recipe blends creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and tender pasta into one skillet of pure comfort. It’s my go-to when life feels hectic, and I crave something that reminds me of those first independent years learning to cook for myself.
In this article, I’ll share how to make a flavorful chicken pasta recipe, different cooking methods for the chicken, the best pasta types to use, and how to create a creamy sauce that clings beautifully. By the end, you’ll feel confident making this timeless dish anytime.
Table of Contents
Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy chicken pasta recipe with juicy chicken, penne pasta, and garlic parmesan sauce for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
10 oz penne pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Season chicken slices with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove to plate.
5. Add more olive oil if needed. Sauté onion until soft.
6. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
7. Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits.
8. Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently.
9. Add parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
10. Return chicken to skillet and toss in sauce.
11. Add cooked pasta, combining everything, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time. Add mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Why This Chicken Pasta Recipe Works
Juicy Chicken For Perfect Texture
Cooking chicken for pasta is simple once you know what makes it tender. For this chicken pasta recipe, I prefer using boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs because they stay moist. Slice them into thin strips for quick cooking. Pan-searing is my top method – heat olive oil in a skillet, season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then sear on both sides until golden. This locks in juices and adds browned bits that make the sauce flavorful. Some people roast their chicken in the oven, which also works well if you’re meal prepping large batches.If you enjoy quick skillet meals, try my chicken fajita pasta recipe for a Tex-Mex twist on pasta night.
Bringing Your Chicken Pasta Recipe Together
I often cook the chicken first, set it aside, then use the same pan to build the sauce for this chicken pasta recipe. Those caramelized bits left behind deepen the flavor. You can also use leftover cooked chicken, which saves time and prevents waste. Just slice it thin and add it at the end to warm through without drying out. When I use rotisserie chicken, I skip cooking raw chicken altogether and focus on creating a creamy, garlicky sauce that soaks into each pasta bite.
Choosing The Best Pasta For Chicken Pasta Recipe
Best Pasta Types To Use
For this chicken pasta recipe, short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle hold creamy sauces well. Their ridges and shapes catch the bits of chicken and sauce, making each bite flavorful. Long pastas like fettuccine or linguine work if you want a silkier feel, but they don’t grip thick sauces as well. My kids love penne because it’s easy to fork up with chicken pieces.For another creamy pasta option, check out my creamy lemon chicken pasta for a fresh citrus kick.
Cooking Pasta To Perfection
Always salt your pasta water generously it should taste like the ocean. This step seasons the pasta from within, something a sauce alone can’t do. Cook just until al dente since the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce later. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Ingredients For Chicken Pasta Recipe
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced thin
- 10 oz linguine or rigatoni pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 Lemon
- Fresh rosemary (Optional)
How To Make This Chicken Pasta Recipe
Follow these steps to bring this dish to your table:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken slices with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear chicken in hot oil until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted into a creamy sauce.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and combine everything until well coated, adding reserved pasta water little by little if sauce is too thick.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
If you prefer baked pasta dishes, try my comforting baked ziti with chicken recipe for an easy oven dinner.
Creating A Creamy Chicken Pasta Sauce
Secrets To Creamy Success
For this chicken pasta recipe, using both chicken broth and heavy cream creates a lighter yet rich sauce. Parmesan cheese thickens it naturally without flour. Simmer on medium-low to avoid curdling the cream, and always add cheese off the heat to keep it smooth.
Variations You’ll Love
You can switch heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be thinner. Adding mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach makes it a one-pan meal. I sometimes stir in frozen peas at the end for color and a touch of sweetness.For something with Caribbean flair, try my jerk chicken pasta for a bold spicy dinner idea.
FAQs About Chicken Pasta Recipe
What is the best way to cook chicken for pasta?
Pan-searing sliced chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil, salt, and pepper gives them a golden crust while keeping them juicy. This method also creates browned bits that add flavor to your sauce.
Can I use leftover chicken in a pasta recipe?
Yes. Slice leftover chicken thin and add it to your pasta sauce just before serving to warm it through without drying it out.
What kind of pasta goes best with chicken?
Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle hold creamy sauces well and make it easy to scoop chicken with each bite.
How do you make a creamy chicken pasta sauce?
Combine chicken broth and heavy cream, simmer gently, and finish with parmesan cheese for a smooth, rich sauce.
Conclusion
This chicken pasta recipe remains one of my comfort dishes, whether I’m using leftover rotisserie chicken or pan-seared fresh pieces. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to every bite, the pasta stays tender, and the chicken remains juicy. Try it tonight and let your kitchen fill with the warm, rich aroma that always brings everyone to the table with a smile.
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