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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain and reserve.
- 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.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds until aromatic.
- Add whole cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and slightly blister.
- 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.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning into the sauce, stirring until cheese melts completely.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, gently coating with the creamy sauce and ensuring even distribution.
- Add reserved pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to combine all ingredients and ensure each pasta piece is evenly coated.
- 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