The Best Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe for a Perfect Weeknight Dinner
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the sauce base: In the same pan, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create the cream sauce: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and slowly add heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cheese: Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Combine everything: Return cooked chicken to the pan along with the drained pasta. Add sun-dried tomatoes if using. Toss everything together until well coated with sauce.
- Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Notes
Pros
- Quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 45 minutes
- Uses simple, accessible ingredients found in most kitchens
- Creamy, satisfying flavor that appeals to both adults and children
- One-pot cooking method minimizes cleanup
- Easily customizable with vegetables or different proteins
- Restaurant-quality taste at home
Cons
- High in calories and fat due to heavy cream
- Not suitable for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance
- Requires constant stirring to prevent cream from curdling
- Can be bland without proper seasoning adjustments
- Pasta can become mushy if overcooked
There’s nothing quite like the sound of sizzling chicken in a pan and the smell of garlic gently perfuming the air. It’s the promise of a meal that is both deeply comforting and joyously simple. If you’ve ever found yourself staring into the fridge after a long day, willing a delicious dinner to magically appear, this chicken pasta recipe is your answer. It’s the hero of weeknight dinners, the savior of empty stomachs, and the definition of cozy food that comes together without a fuss. This isn’t just another chicken pasta recipe; it’s a foolproof formula for a creamy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s turn those simple ingredients into a memorable meal.
Why This Chicken Pasta Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
So, what sets this particular dish apart from the thousands of other pasta recipes out there? This chicken pasta recipe is designed with your real life in mind. It’s built on a foundation of simplicity, flavor, and flexibility.
Incredibly Quick and Easy
From start to finish, this chicken pasta recipe takes about 30 minutes. The steps are straightforward—no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s the perfect project for a busy Tuesday night when time is of the essence but you’re not willing to compromise on a homemade taste.
Incredibly Versatile and Customizable
This recipe is a fantastic template. Don’t have penne? Use what’s in your pantry. Want to add some veggies? Toss them in! Craving a tomato-based sauce instead? We’ve got a variation for that. This easy chicken pasta adapts to your preferences and what you have on hand, making it a practical staple in your culinary repertoire.
Family-Friendly Comfort Food
Creamy pasta with tender chunks of chicken is a universal crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of meal that kids and adults alike will devour. It’s hearty, flavorful without being too spicy, and feels like a warm hug on a plate. This chicken pasta recipe is guaranteed to become a requested favorite at your dinner table.
Gathering Your Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Pasta
The beauty of a great chicken pasta recipe lies in the quality of its core components. Using fresh, good-quality ingredients will elevate your dish from good to restaurant-quality.
The Chicken and Pasta Foundation
- Chicken Breast: 1 lb (about 2 large breasts), cut into 1-inch cubes. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Penne Pasta: 12 oz (about 3/4 of a standard box). Penne is great for holding onto the creamy sauce, but see our FAQ for other options.
The Flavor Makers: Aromatics and Sauce
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced. Fresh is best!
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup. Use low-sodium to control the salt level.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup. This creates the luscious, creamy base of the sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup, chopped. They add a wonderful tangy, sweet depth of flavor.
- Seasonings: 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp paprika, and salt & black pepper to taste.
The Finishing Touches: Herbs and Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated. The pre-grated stuff won’t melt as smoothly.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped for a fresh garnish.
Table: Ingredient List at a Glance
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 1 lb | Cubed into 1-inch pieces |
| Penne Pasta | 12 oz | Or similar short pasta |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp | |
| Garlic | 3-4 cloves | Minced |
| Chicken Broth | 1 cup | Low-sodium preferred |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup | |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | 1/2 cup | Chopped |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 tsp | |
| Paprika | 1/2 tsp | |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup | Freshly grated |
| Fresh Basil | 2 tbsp | For garnish |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste |
How to Make This Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a flawless dish on the table in no time. This creamy chicken pasta method is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Step 1: Preparing Your Ingredients (Mise en Place)
The key to a smooth cooking process is preparation. Before you even turn on the stove, cube your chicken, mince the garlic, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, and grate your Parmesan cheese. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for your pasta.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken to Perfection
Pat your chicken cubes dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Building the Sauce and Combining Everything
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Add the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until evenly coated. Garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Table: Cooking Instructions Summary
| Step | Action | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prep: Cube chicken, mince garlic, chop tomatoes, grate cheese. Boil water. | Preparation prevents panic! |
| 2 | Cook Chicken: Season & brown in skillet over med-high heat. 5-7 mins. | Don’t overcrowd the pan for a good sear. |
| 3 | Make Sauce: Sauté garlic, add broth & simmer. Add cream, tomatoes, seasoning. | Scrape the browned bits for flavor. |
| 4 | Combine: Stir Parmesan into sauce. Add cooked pasta & chicken. Toss to coat. | Use pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. |
| 5 | Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and more cheese. | Serve immediately for the best experience. |
Expert Tips, Tricks, and Variations for Your Chicken Pasta
Mastering a basic chicken pasta recipe opens up a world of possibilities. Here’s how to make it truly your own.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Salt Your Pasta Water: It should taste like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook it just until no longer pink inside to keep it tender and juicy.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water is liquid gold for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that clings to every noodle.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta: Substitute the cream and broth with 2 cups of your favorite marinara sauce. Stir in fresh basil at the end.
- One-Pot Method: After browning the chicken, add the uncooked pasta, broth, and cream. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Add Vegetables: Sauté sliced mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli florets in the skillet after cooking the chicken for an extra nutrient boost.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably. The best way to rethis chicken pasta recipe is to add a splash of broth or milk to a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. Microwaving can cause the sauce to separate.
Conclusion
This chicken pasta recipe is more than just a list of ingredients and steps; it’s a reliable path to a fantastic meal. It combines ease with elegance, simplicity with incredible flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing a date, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers every single time. It proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. So, the next time that dinner-time dilemma hits, you know exactly what to do.
I’d love to hear how your creation turned out! Did you add your own twist? Share your experience and your favorite variations in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this chicken pasta recipe?
A: Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully in this chicken pasta recipe because its shape holds the sauce well, you can use any short pasta you have on hand. Great alternatives include fusilli, rigatoni, farfalle (bowties), or even fettuccine if you prefer long noodles.
Q: How can I make this chicken pasta recipe healthier?
A: You can easily create a healthier version of this chicken pasta recipe with a few smart swaps. Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for extra fiber. Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter (or dairy-free) option. You can also increase the nutrient content by loading it up with vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Q: My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken my chicken pasta recipe?
A: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and concentrate. You can also create a quick slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then whisking it into the simmering sauce until it thickens. Another great trick is to add a bit more grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt and help thicken the sauce naturally.
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