Delicious Chicken Pasta served with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, ready to enjoy.

Chicken Pasta Recipe

Name: Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice); 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color); 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Sara

Writer & Blogger

Dinner
April 8, 2025

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Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Creamy, Flavorful, and Effortless Dinner Delight 🍝🍗✨

1. Introduction

Looking for an easy dinner recipe that’s both delicious and quick to prepare? This creamy chicken pasta is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying yet simple. As one of our most popular chicken recipes, this dish combines tender chicken with al dente pasta in a rich, savory sauce that will have your family asking for seconds.

What makes this recipe special is its versatility – you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or preparing a cozy weekend dinner, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to every strand of pasta, while the golden chicken pieces add wonderful texture and protein.

2. Ingredients

Gathering quality ingredients is key to making this chicken pasta recipe shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

8 oz (225g) pasta – penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape (we love how penne holds the sauce)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing the chicken and vegetables
3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic makes all the difference
1 small onion, finely chopped – yellow or white onion works best
1 bell pepper, sliced (any color) – adds sweetness and crunch
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option) – creates that luxurious sauce
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded
1 tsp Italian seasoning – or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste – season at each step for best flavor
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – adds color and freshness

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine when cooking the vegetables, or mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our collection of fresh salad recipes that would pair perfectly with this dish.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. The salt seasons the pasta from within, so don’t be shy with it – the water should taste like the sea. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). We recommend checking for doneness a minute early, as pasta continues to cook slightly after draining.

Drain the pasta in a colander, but be sure to reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later. If you’re not combining the pasta with the sauce immediately, toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Boiling water with pasta being added for Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels – this helps them brown better rather than steam. When the oil shimmers (but before it smokes), add the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (you might need to work in batches).

Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust, then flip and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning during the last minute of cooking. Remove the chicken to a clean plate, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.

Diced chicken breast cooking in olive oil for Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

In the same skillet (don’t wash it – all those browned bits add flavor!), reduce heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to burn it as this will make the dish bitter.

Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp. The vegetables should be tender-crisp to add texture to your final dish. This is also a great time to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach if you’re customizing the recipe.

Fresh vegetables being chopped for Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine all those delicious flavors. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water – the starch helps emulsify the sauce and makes it cling beautifully to the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Parmesan as needed. For an extra touch of luxury, finish with a pat of butter stirred in just before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while piping hot!

For more creamy pasta inspiration, check out this excellent creamy chicken pasta recipe from our friends at The Burnt Butter Table.

Cooked pasta, chicken, and vegetables being combined for Chicken Pasta Recipe.

4. Tips for the Best Chicken Pasta

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and vegetables make a noticeable difference in flavor compared to dried or powdered versions.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: When browning the chicken, give each piece space to develop that golden crust rather than steaming.
Reserve pasta water: The starchy cooking water is the secret to achieving restaurant-quality sauce consistency.
Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
Let it rest: Allow the finished dish to sit for 2-3 minutes before serving – this helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld.

If you enjoy this cooking technique, you might also love our beef recipes which use similar principles for creating rich, flavorful dishes.

5. Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to different tastes or dietary needs:

Spicy Chicken Pasta: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic, or stir in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce with the cream.
Lighter Version: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even Greek yogurt (add yogurt at the very end to prevent curdling).
Cheesy Pasta: Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella or fontina along with the Parmesan for extra gooey goodness.
Vegetable-Packed: Add mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini along with the bell peppers.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are GF.

For more creative dinner ideas, browse our collection of hearty soup recipes that would make excellent starters for this pasta dish.

6. Serving Suggestions

This versatile chicken pasta pairs beautifully with many sides. Here are our top recommendations:

Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta.
Bread: Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or broccoli adds color and nutrition.
Wine: A glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or buttery Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce.
Dessert: Follow with something light like our lemon dessert recipes for a perfect meal finale.

7. Storage & Reheating

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, here’s how to handle leftovers:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken when chilled – this is normal.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating can make the pasta gummy.
Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and sauce (without pasta) for up to 2 months. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve for best texture.
Meal Prep: Prepare components separately and combine when ready to eat for best results.

8. FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more flavor and remain juicy even if slightly overcooked. Just adjust cooking time as thighs may take a minute or two longer.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or even evaporated milk. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk works surprisingly well.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant. You might also enjoy our vegetarian breakfast recipes for more meat-free ideas.

How can I make this recipe faster?
Use pre-cut chicken, jarred minced garlic, and frozen pepper strips to save on prep time. The cooking process remains the same.

Why is my sauce separating?
This can happen if the heat is too high when adding dairy. Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly when incorporating the cream.

9. Conclusion

This easy chicken pasta recipe proves that delicious, comforting meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. With simple techniques and quality ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that will impress family and friends alike. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in perfect harmony, making this recipe a reliable go-to for any occasion.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual gathering, this versatile dish delivers every time. We’d love to hear how your version turns out – feel free to share your creations with us on social media or explore more of our cooking resources for additional inspiration.

For those who want to learn more about our cooking philosophy, visit our About page to discover what makes our recipes special. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious homemade chicken pasta! 🍽️😋