Creamy Chicken Pasta
A simple yet satisfying creamy chicken pasta recipe that's easy to prepare and feels like five-star dining. Perfect for weeknights and picky eaters!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken breast or thighs Use whichever is on sale.
- 3 cloves Garlic More is better, unless you have a date.
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 4 ounces Cream cheese For a velvety texture.
- 8 ounces Pasta (penne or fettuccine) Use any pasta you have.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded Avoid the powdery stuff.
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Oregano can be used as a substitute.
Optional Ingredients
- Spinach For added nutrition.
- Mushrooms For extra flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes Add for a fresh twist.
- Chili flakes For a bit of heat.
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Chop chicken and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet.
- Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- Add minced garlic to the skillet, cooking briefly without burning.
- Pour in heavy cream and let it warm up for a minute.
- Stir in cream cheese and allow it to melt completely.
- Whisk in grated Parmesan. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
For best results, do not overcook chicken and let sauce look runny before adding pasta. Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting. Add a splash of milk when reheating for a creamy texture.