Some days, I want something cozy. Other days, I want something rich. But then there are days when I want both—comfort and indulgence in the same bite.

And that’s when I whip up this creamy chicken pasta. Think tender bites of golden chicken, twirled up in luscious, garlicky cream sauce, clinging to pasta like it was made for each other.

If carbs and comfort had a baby, this would be it. Plus, it’s a one-pan-ish wonder that turns into a total flavor bomb with just a few pantry staples.

Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, date night, or just yourself (and a big ol’ glass of white wine), this one’s got your back.

Recipe Snapshot

Category	Details
Yield	4 servings
Serving Size	About 1 ½ cups per serving
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes
Calories per Serving	~620
Primary Cooking Method	Sautéing and Simmering
Occasion	Weeknight Dinner, Date Night
Diet Type	Non-Vegetarian

Calories are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Creamy Chicken Pasta

Recipe by Angela JonesCourse: MainCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

cup

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

620

kcal

Creamy chicken pasta is like wrapping yourself in a velvety blanket of garlicky goodness. Each bite gives you tender chicken and al dente pasta hugged by a rich, dreamy sauce that clings like it never wants to let go.

It’s a dish that doesn’t just satisfy hunger—it spoils your soul. It’s quick enough for a Tuesday night but tastes like you’ve been slaving away for hours. Perfect for impressing guests—or just treating yourself like royalty on a random Thursday.

Ingredients

For the Chicken
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium chicken breasts, boneless & skinless, sliced into thin strips
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta
8 oz (225g) penne or any short pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a kick)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

Get That Chicken Golden
Grab those juicy chicken breast strips and toss them with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a hot skillet with a slick of olive oil, lay them down in a single layer.

Sear until they’re golden on the outside and no longer pink inside—about 4 to 5 minutes. Set them aside, but don’t wash the pan (hello, flavor!).
Boil the Pasta
Meanwhile, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it until it’s just shy of done (a.k.a. al dente). Drain it, saving about half a cup of that starchy water magic.
Sauté the Aromatics
Back to the skillet: drop in some butter and let it melt. Add finely chopped onions and cook till they’re soft and golden. Toss in minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds—don’t let it burn!
Build the Creamy Dream
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to get all those brown bits off the bottom. Then add the heavy cream, Italian herbs, chili flakes if you like a kick, and a handful of grated Parmesan. Let the sauce bubble and thicken. If it looks too thick, that reserved pasta water will loosen things up beautifully.
Combine and Simmer
Return the seared chicken to the pan along with the drained pasta. Stir gently until everything is coated in that silky sauce. If you’re using cherry tomatoes, throw them in now and let the whole thing simmer for a couple of minutes.
Final Flourish
Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Add extra Parmesan if you’re living your best cheesy life. Serve it up hot and creamy, straight from the pan to the plate.

Extra Tips for Flavor and Ease

Deglaze the Pan Like a Pro: After cooking the chicken, don’t even think about washing that skillet. Those browned bits stuck to the bottom? Flavor gold. Use the broth to deglaze and soak up all that savory goodness into your sauce.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese has its place, but not here. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and gives your sauce that luxe, restaurant-style finish.
Add Greens for Balance: Want to sneak in some veggies? Toss in a handful of baby spinach or kale toward the end. They wilt perfectly and bring a pop of color.
Sauce Consistency Tip: If the sauce thickens too much as it sits, stir in a splash of pasta water, broth, or even a bit of milk to bring it back to its silky self.
Double It Up: This dish scales beautifully. Just use a bigger skillet and maybe hold off on adding all the pasta water at once—you can always add more but can’t take it out.

Kitchen Gear You’ll Need (No Fancy Stuff Required)

Large skillet or sauté pan
Large pot for boiling pasta
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Grater for Parmesan

Smart Swaps: Substitution Options

Vegetarian Swap

Want to go meatless? Use your favorite plant-based chicken alternative—something that browns well and holds up in creamy sauces. Tofu can work in a pinch too, especially if you crisp it up beforehand. Just make sure to press it first to avoid sogginess.

Instead of chicken broth, switch to a good vegetable stock. It keeps the savory depth without compromising your veggie game.

Plan Ahead: Make-Ahead Tips to Save Time

Prep Components Early

You can slice and season the chicken ahead of time—store it in the fridge up to a day in advance. Same goes for chopping your garlic and onions. If you’re really looking to save time, measure out your spices and stash them in a small container so you can just dump and go.

Cook Pasta and Store Separately

Boil the pasta and toss it in a tiny splash of olive oil so it doesn’t stick. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, just add it to the pan with a splash of water or broth to help it come back to life without drying out.

Sauce Reheats Like a Dream

You can make the cream sauce and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stove, and whisk in a little cream or broth if it’s gotten too thick.

Keeping It Fresh: Storage Instructions

Store (If You Must…)

As always, I’m secretly judging anyone who has leftovers—because honestly, how? But in the rare case that happens, store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for 2–3 days. Keep in mind, creamy sauces aren’t always the best at reboots, but we’ll do what we can.

Reheat Like a Pro

To reheat, scoop some into a microwave-safe bowl or Tupperware. Add a splash of milk or water before microwaving—it helps the sauce loosen up and keeps everything from drying out. Heat it for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway to make sure the chicken is piping hot and the pasta evenly warmed.

Freezing? Eh, Maybe Not

Honestly? This dish is best enjoyed fresh. The cream can separate and the pasta can turn grainy after freezing. If you’re craving a freezer-friendly dish, try something like a chorizo mac and cheese instead.

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers (FAQs)

Can I make this in a crockpot?

Technically yes, but it’s not ideal for texture. The cream can curdle if slow-cooked too long. If you must, cook the chicken and sauce separately and add them near the end. Or better yet—just make it on the stove. It’s fast.

Is this recipe toddler-friendly?

Absolutely—just skip the chili flakes. If you’re concerned about any wine or alcohol in the recipe, sub it out with chicken stock and you’re golden.

Can I add vegetables or other extras to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or even some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra punch of flavor. Spinach or kale stirred in at the end works great too—they wilt down beautifully and add a fresh pop of color. This pasta is super flexible, so toss in whatever’s in your fridge!

Why doesn’t my sauce stick to the pasta?

Two words: pasta water. The starchy liquid helps bind the sauce to the noodles. Don’t skip it!

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! One reader used coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese, thickened the sauce with cornstarch, and added DF Parmesan. Bonus points if you use grain-free pasta like Banza.

Nutritional Snapshot: What’s in a Serving?

Here’s a rough breakdown of what you’re getting per serving (about 1½ cups):

Calories: ~620
Protein: ~32g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fat: ~36g
Saturated Fat: ~18g
Cholesterol: ~130mg
Sodium: ~550mg
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~4g

Note: These are estimates and can vary based on the exact brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions: How to Plate It Like a Pro

Sidekicks and Pairings to Elevate Your Meal

This creamy chicken pasta is a whole mood on its own, but if you’re feeling a little extra, let’s talk sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad—think peppery arugula, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a sharp balsamic vinaigrette—to cut through all that luxurious creaminess. Don’t skip the bread either. A slice of buttery garlic bread or a soft dinner roll is basically your sauce’s soulmate. And if you’re uncorking a bottle, go for a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio—their acidity balances the richness like a charm. For a cozy, family-style vibe, plop the pan right on the table and let everyone dig in. Pasta night never looked so good.

Final Thoughts: One Bite Closer to Comfort

There’s just something magical about a dish that manages to be easy and impressive all at once. This creamy chicken pasta doesn’t need a five-star kitchen or culinary degree—it just needs you, a skillet, and a serious craving for something warm, rich, and deeply satisfying.

It’s a recipe that invites tweaks, thrives on leftovers, and somehow makes weeknights feel a little fancier. So go ahead—grab your favorite bowl, pour yourself something nice, and twirl into the creamy goodness you totally deserve.

Creamy Chicken Pasta That’ll Make You Lick the Plate

Recipe Snapshot