Quick & Cozy Chicken Pasta Recipe for Family Dinner Magic

Tucking into a delightful chicken pasta recipe always sparks joy at my dinner table.

Creamy textures and savory aromas dance together in this simple yet elegant dish.

Home cooks appreciate meals that come together quickly without sacrificing flavor.

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions that keep everyone satisfied and smiling.

Every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a memorable meal.

Comfort and convenience merge perfectly in this crowd-pleasing classic that promises to delight both picky eaters and culinary enthusiasts.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that everyone requests again and again.

Why Chicken Pasta Is Always a Hit

• Quick Kitchen Triumph: Whip up a restaurant-quality meal in just a few simple steps, perfect for home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe that works brilliantly for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or when you need a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize dirty dishes and cooking time by preparing everything in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze and streamlining your cooking process.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Combine creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta for a rich, comforting dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients That Make Chicken Pasta Special

• Pasta: A staple ingredient that serves as the base of the dish.
• Chicken: Protein that provides hearty flavor and substance to the recipe.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that add bright color and sweet taste to the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken and dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings traditional Mediterranean flavor to the recipe.

• Olive Oil, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a rich and aromatic base for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creamy liquids that create a smooth and luxurious sauce consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and tangy cheese that adds depth and richness to the sauce.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Herbs that provide a final fresh and vibrant touch to the finished dish.

How to Make Delicious Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Tender Pasta

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until perfectly al dente.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm and ready for the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Sizzle Golden Chicken

Sprinkle chicken cubes with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken pieces until they turn beautifully golden and are completely cooked through, creating a crispy exterior.

Remove chicken from the skillet and keep warm.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic Aromas

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until it releases its fragrant and delightful aroma, which takes about 1 minute.

Step 4: Burst Cherry Tomatoes

Toss cherry tomatoes into the skillet, allowing them to soften and slightly break down, creating a vibrant base for the sauce.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, letting the tomatoes release their sweet juices.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet.

Stir the ingredients together, creating a luxurious sauce.

Simmer the mixture until it begins to thicken and develop a rich, velvety consistency.

Step 6: Enhance With Cheese

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning into the sauce.

Stir until the cheese melts completely.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating each piece in the creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 7: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Add the reserved pasta to the skillet, gently tossing everything together to ensure each pasta strand is beautifully coated with the creamy chicken sauce.

Step 8: Garnish And Serve

For a final touch, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top.

Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot and bubbling with flavor.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Pasta Every Time

• Toast Italian seasoning in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding cream to release deeper, richer aromatics.
• Use room temperature cream and gradually add cheese while stirring constantly to ensure smooth, creamy consistency.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve perfect golden-brown exterior and lock in moisture.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Chop all ingredients beforehand and store in containers to streamline cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.

Flavor Variations for Chicken Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, sautéed until golden brown for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free sauce.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining flavor.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Pasta

• Rustic Family Feast: Gather everyone around the table and serve this creamy chicken pasta family-style in a large, warm serving dish for a cozy dinner experience.
• Elegant Dinner Party Plating: Elegantly plate individual portions on white plates, garnishing with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a sophisticated presentation.
• Fresh Side Companion: Pair the pasta with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini to add nutrition and balance the rich, creamy sauce.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, which beautifully enhances the creamy tomato and chicken flavors.

Best Ways to Store Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months, preventing freezer burn by removing excess air.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring gently until heated evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with other types like penne, fettuccine, or rotini. Choose a pasta shape that can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with firm tofu, mushrooms, or plant-based chicken alternatives. Keep the creamy sauce and seasonings the same.

• How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a bit more Parmesan cheese. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce.

• Can I reduce the calories in this recipe?

To make it lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the cheese quantity, and use skinless chicken breast for less fat.

Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade chicken pasta brings creamy comfort directly from Italian kitchens to dinner tables. Delicate noodles and tender chicken create a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

Sauce and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain and reserve.
2. Cube chicken and generously season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F, then sauté chicken until golden and fully cooked, approximately 6 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds until aromatic.
4. Add whole cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and slightly blister.
5. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking to create a smooth sauce. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until sauce slightly thickens and reduces.
6. Incorporate Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning into the sauce, stirring until cheese melts completely.
7. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, gently coating with the creamy sauce and ensuring even distribution.
8. Add reserved pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to combine all ingredients and ensure each pasta piece is evenly coated.
9. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for added brightness and flavor. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Ensure pasta is al dente by checking package timing and tasting a piece to prevent overcooking, which can make the dish mushy.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and creates delicious caramelization.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Customize the dish by adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color variation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 484 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 321 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 86 mg