Let’s face it—some nights, you just want comfort in a bowl. That’s where Creamy Chicken Pasta comes in. This dish is rich, savory, and absolutely addictive. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce, this recipe is everything your cravings have been begging for.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes on the first bite. Bonus? It’s done in under 30 minutes and uses ingredients you probably already have.
🛒 What You’ll Need
You don’t need a million ingredients or fancy techniques—just the right ones that bring serious flavor.
Ingredients:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
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8 oz (about 2 ½ cups) pasta – penne, fettuccine, or rotini work great
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional but amazing)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
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Optional: 1 cup spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrients
🔪 Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside—but don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Season & Sear the Chicken
While the pasta’s cooking, season your diced chicken generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping occasionally until they’re golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make That Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add a splash of oil if needed. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 2–3 minutes.
Now stir in your Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly—about 3–4 minutes.
👉 Pro Tip: If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it up with some of that reserved pasta water.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated in the creamy goodness and the chicken is evenly distributed.
Want to add some greens? Throw in a handful of spinach now and let it wilt in the heat. Or stir in halved cherry tomatoes for a sweet, fresh pop.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish
Spoon the creamy chicken pasta into bowls and top with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil, and a crack of black pepper.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Pasta
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Creamy but not too heavy – it hits the sweet spot between rich and balanced.
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One-pan magic – fewer dishes, more flavor.
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Customizable – add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even swap chicken for shrimp!
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Crowd-pleaser – picky eaters, date nights, and leftover lovers all win.
🔁 Easy Variations You Can Try
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Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta: Add fresh lemon juice and zest to brighten things up.
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Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning and add diced bell peppers.
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Broccoli Chicken Alfredo: Steam broccoli and stir it in with the pasta for a veggie boost.
📱 Perfect for Sharing
This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s Instagram-worthy. That creamy swirl, golden chicken, and herby garnish pop on camera. Snap a pic, tag it with #CreamyChickenGlowUp, and let the pasta praise roll in.
🧊 Leftovers? Lucky You.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.
🔥 Final Bite
If comfort food had a crown, this creamy chicken pasta would wear it. It’s rich, satisfying, and impossible to stop eating. The sauce hugs every noodle, the chicken is juicy, and it all comes together faster than your takeout driver can get to your door.
Save this post, share it with your foodie friends, and try it tonight—you won’t regret it. 🍝💛
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