This creamy chicken pasta dish is a delightful combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, luscious sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. The addition of garlic and Italian herbs enhances the flavor profile, making each bite a savory delight.
Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it’s also incredibly satisfying and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting the chicken with shrimp or mushrooms for a different twist. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this creamy chicken pasta is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, mixing until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 540 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Key Features:
- Creamy Garlic Sauce: The sauce is made from a base of half-and-half (a mix of cream and milk) and chicken broth, thickened with flour. Garlic, Parmesan, and Romano cheeses add richness and depth.
- Sear the Chicken: The chicken is seasoned with Italian herbs, dredged in flour, and seared to create a flavorful crust that holds up well in the creamy sauce.
- Pasta: This recipe uses pasta shells, which trap the sauce beautifully, but any pasta like fettuccine or linguine works just as well.
- Wine Option: White wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay) is used to deglaze the skillet after cooking the chicken, adding a deeper layer of flavor. For those who prefer not to use alcohol, chicken broth can be substituted.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Vegetables: You can mix in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
- Toppings: For extra crunch, toasted panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter can be sprinkled on top before serving.
- Flavor Boosters: Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, or even a touch of honey can be added to the sauce to enhance the overall flavor without being overpowering.
Pro Tips:
- Cheese Melting: Grate cheese fresh from a wedge to avoid graininess in the sauce, which can happen with pre-packaged grated cheese.
- Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick during mixing.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months. Reheat using a double boiler method or add some pasta water/milk to restore the sauce’s consistency.
The Chicken:
- Tender and Flavorful: The chicken breast is cut into thinner slices and pounded to an even thickness, ensuring it cooks evenly. It’s seasoned with Italian herbs (like oregano and basil) and lightly coated in flour before being seared in olive oil. This method gives the chicken a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
- Resting: After searing, the chicken is rested for 10 minutes, which allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist. It is then sliced into strips and added back into the pasta at the end.
The Creamy Sauce:
- Building Layers of Flavor: The sauce begins with deglazing the pan using white wine or chicken broth. This step lifts all the flavorful bits left from searing the chicken, which adds depth to the sauce.
- Roux Base: A simple roux made of butter and flour is cooked before gradually adding the half-and-half and chicken broth. This creates a creamy and smooth sauce with a perfect consistency for coating the pasta.
- Cheese: The combination of Parmesan and Romano cheeses adds a nutty, savory flavor to the sauce. Grating the cheese fresh ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce, avoiding any grainy texture.
- Seasonings: In addition to the cheese, the sauce is enhanced with dried seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and mustard powder. These spices add complexity to the sauce without overwhelming the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Pasta Choice:
- Pasta Shells: The recipe suggests using pasta shells, which are great for trapping the creamy sauce inside their ridges. However, you can also use other types of pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or farfalle depending on your preference.
- Al Dente Texture: Cooking the pasta to al dente is important for maintaining the right texture, as it will continue to absorb some of the sauce when mixed with the chicken.
Customizable Add-Ons:
- This dish can be customized by adding different ingredients like:
- Vegetables: Spinach, sautéed mushrooms, roasted broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes are popular choices.
- Toppings: For added texture, sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before serving.
Optional Garnish and Serving Suggestions:
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the dish and balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley for color and an extra layer of freshness.
- Pasta Water: If the sauce becomes too thick, reserved pasta water can be added to thin it out and make the sauce even creamier.
Storage and Reheating:
- Storing: The creamy chicken pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When reheating, it’s best to use reserved pasta water or a little milk/chicken broth to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency. Reheating over low heat or in a double boiler prevents the sauce from separating.
Nutritional Information:
This dish is satisfying yet relatively balanced with a good mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Each serving contains around 526 calories, making it a hearty meal that can easily be adjusted by adding more vegetables or reducing the amount of cheese and cream.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Pasta is a decadent dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce. It’s a flexible recipe that allows for various additions and substitutions, making it suitable for different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this pasta will always deliver comfort and satisfaction.