1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Dinner, Pasta, Comfort Food

Creamy Chicken Pasta - A Comforting Dinner Classic

This Creamy Chicken Pasta recipe brings together the richness of a velvety sauce, perfectly cooked chicken, and pasta. With herbs, cheese, and optional fresh lemon for a pop of flavor, this dish is a delightful option for a comforting dinner. The pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce, making each bite incredibly delicious.

Featured in Evening meals for every day.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sat, 04 Jan 2025 13:43:19 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
Creamy Chicken Pasta Save it
Creamy Chicken Pasta | myhomemaderecipe.com
Creamy Chicken Pasta is a comforting and savory dish that combines tender chicken, a rich cream sauce, and your choice of pasta for a hearty meal. Next, we'll dive into the ingredients needed to create this satisfying dinner classic.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: 2, sliced lengthwise to create thinner cuts for even cooking.
  • Chicken broth: 1 1/2 cups, used for the base of the creamy sauce.
  • Flour: 2 tablespoons, to thicken the sauce and give it a smooth texture.
  • Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon, for flavoring the chicken and sauce.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the chicken and the sauce.
  • Italian seasoning: 2 teaspoons, to add a mix of herbs for a savory taste.
  • Olive oil: 1–2 tablespoons, for searing the chicken to a golden brown.
  • Butter: 3 tablespoons, to enhance the richness of the sauce.
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for a fresh and aromatic flavor.
  • Half and half: 1 1/4 cups, for the creamy base of the sauce.
  • Chicken bouillon cube: 1/2, for added depth of flavor in the sauce.
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/3 cup grated, for a savory, cheesy touch.
  • Romano cheese: 1/3 cup grated, to complement the Parmesan with additional flavor.
  • Pasta: 1/2 lb. of your choice, cooked al dente and tossed in the sauce.
  • Lemon (optional): For squeezing over the pasta for a fresh pop of flavor.
  • Dried seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon EACH: onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley, plus 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika for a full flavor profile.

Instructions

Step 1:
In a small bowl, mix the half and half with chicken broth, garlic powder, and all the dried seasonings (onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley, and smoked paprika). Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 2:
Slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create thinner cuts. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then lightly dust with flour.
Step 3:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into strips.
Step 4:
While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta of choice according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
Step 5:
Return to the skillet and deglaze it with chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Allow the broth to reduce slightly.
Step 6:
Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for an additional 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 7:
Gradually pour in the pre-prepared half and half and chicken broth mixture, stirring constantly to blend well. Add the chicken bouillon cube and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken.
Step 8:
Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, allowing them to melt into the sauce. Adjust the consistency with the reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 9:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice if desired for an extra pop of flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serve the Creamy Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley for a bright, fresh touch.
  • Pair this dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
  • To store, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pasta can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave; add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back the creaminess if it thickens.
  • This pasta also works well as a meal prep option; prepare and portion it out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Helpful Notes

  • For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta or swap the half and half for a lower-fat cream option.
  • Want more veggies? Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.

Tips from well-known chefs

  • Chef Jamie Oliver recommends using fresh herbs like basil or oregano to brighten the dish even more.
  • Chef Ina Garten suggests marinating the chicken with a little lemon zest before cooking for an extra citrusy aroma.
  • Chef Giada De Laurentiis advises grating your own Parmesan and Romano cheeses for a more intense and fresh flavor.

Dinner, Pasta, Comfort Food

This Creamy Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, a luscious sauce, and your favorite pasta for a comforting and savory dinner option.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 chicken breasts.
02 1 1/2 cups chicken broth.
03 2 tablespoons flour.
04 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
05 Salt and pepper, to taste.
06 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning.
07 1-2 tablespoons olive oil.
08 3 tablespoons butter.
09 3 cloves garlic, minced.
10 1 1/4 cups half and half.
11 1/2 chicken bouillon cube.
12 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
13 1/3 cup grated Romano cheese.
14 1/2 lb. pasta of choice.
15 1 lemon (optional).
16 1/2 teaspoon EACH: onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley (all dried).
17 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika.

Instructions

Step 01

In a small bowl, mix half and half with chicken broth, garlic powder, and all dried seasonings (onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley, and smoked paprika). Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 02

Slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create thinner cuts. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then lightly dust with flour. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into strips.

Step 03

While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta of choice according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.

Step 04

Return to the skillet and deglaze it with chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Allow the broth to reduce slightly. Then, add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, letting it cook for about a minute. Stir in flour and cook for an additional 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 05

Gradually pour in the pre-prepared half and half and chicken broth mixture, stirring constantly to blend well. Add the chicken bouillon cube and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken.

Step 06

Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, allowing them to melt into the sauce. Adjust the consistency with the reserved pasta water if needed, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 07

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice if desired for an extra pop of flavor.

Step 08

Plate the creamy chicken pasta, garnishing with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 30 g