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Creamy Chicken Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pasta
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This Creamy Chicken Pasta is a quick, comforting, and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners, this dish offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures that is both easy to make and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs

Pasta

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)

Sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings & Garnish

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley or basil), chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed, and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute, making sure it doesn’t burn.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth and luscious sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and add back to the skillet. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix everything together until well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time. Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

  • Use Room Temperature Cream: It blends more smoothly into the sauce without curdling.
  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep it juicy by cooking just until no longer pink inside.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps loosen the sauce and bind it to the pasta perfectly.
  • Freshly Grated Parmesan: Melts better and adds more flavor than pre-grated versions.
  • Timing is Key: Have all ingredients ready before you start cooking to keep things speedy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Pasta, Quick Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meal, Comfort Food, Family Friendly

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/creamy-chicken-pasta/