Why You’ll Love This Easy Quick Creamy Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Tonight
This recipe is not only delicious but also perfect for busy weeknights! Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be made in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a last-minute dinner.
- Perfect for Beginners: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone can make this pasta.
- Ideal for the Whole Family: Creamy, cheesy goodness means even picky eaters will enjoy every bite.
- Economical: With inexpensive ingredients, you can whip up a comforting meal without breaking the bank.
The Necessary Ingredients
Before you start cooking, let’s gather everything you need for this creamy chicken pasta.
- 2 pieces Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 8 ounces Pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (for searing)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (for a gentle kick)
- 1 cup Mushrooms (sautéed)
Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients:
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Heavy Cream: Provides the creamy texture for the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a low-fat cream, but the sauce might be less rich.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan gives the best flavor. You can substitute it with Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano if you’d like a different taste.
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Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is convenient and easy to cook. If you’re in a hurry, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
How to Prepare the Easy Quick Creamy Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Tonight Step by Step
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s follow these steps to create your creamy chicken pasta.
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Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Pro Tip: Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust your sauce’s consistency later.
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Prepare the Chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Pro Tip: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing it. This keeps it juicy.
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Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the sautéed mushrooms and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pro Tip: Make sure not to burn the garlic; keep stirring until it just turns golden.
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Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Pro Tip: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water.
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Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, mixing everything evenly. Finally, add sliced chicken on top.
- Pro Tip: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for spice!
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Serve Immediately:
- Transfer the creamy chicken pasta to plates and garnish with extra parsley and parmesan if desired.
- Pro Tip: Serve with garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal even better, consider these serving ideas:
Perfect Pairings
- Drink: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced tea complements this creamy pasta well.
- Side Dishes: Serve alongside garlic bread or topped with a light arugula salad for a fresh contrast.
Occasions
- Weeknight Dinner: Perfect for a quick family meal after a long day.
- Special Occasion Meal: Dress it up with some extra herbs or a touch of truffle oil for a fancy dinner.
Serving Tips
- Serving Temperature: This dish is best served hot, right from the stove.
- Garnishes: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley can enhance the presentation.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:
Refrigerated
- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezed
- If possible: You can freeze the pasta in an airtight container for up to a month.
- Packaging: Make sure the pasta sauce has cooled before sealing to prevent ice crystals.
Reheating
- Best Method: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to bring back creaminess. You can also use a microwave, covering the dish to prevent drying out.
Guaranteed Success Tips
- Do Not Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry. Always check for doneness using a meat thermometer.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs provide much better flavor than dried or powdered options.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Always taste as you go and adjust your salt, pepper, and spices to fit your preference.
- Stir Constantly when Cooking with Cream: This prevents it from burning and helps to achieve a smooth sauce.
Recipe Variations
Looking to switch things up? Here are some tasty variations:
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For a Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon of Espelette pepper or your favorite chili flakes for an extra kick.
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For a Vegan Version: Replace the chicken with chickpeas and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a delicious plant-based alternative.
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For a Veggie-Packed Dish: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers into the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: My chicken was dry. What went wrong?
A: Overcooking can make chicken breasts dry. Always cook until just cooked through and check with a meat thermometer.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, just ensure it’s completely thawed and cooked through. Cooking from frozen can result in uneven cooking.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! Just store the components separately until you’re ready to eat.
Q: Can I add different herbs?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with basil, oregano, or thyme for different flavor profiles.
Q: How can I make the dish gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta, and check that your sauces and ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: What if I don’t have mushrooms?
A: You can simply omit the mushrooms or replace them with any other vegetable you enjoy, like broccoli or bell peppers.
Q: How can I store leftover pasta?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat carefully to maintain creaminess.
Creamy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- 8 ounces Pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup Heavy cream For a lighter option, use half-and-half or low-fat cream, but the sauce might be less rich.
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) Substitute with Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano for different taste.
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (for searing)
- 2 cloves Garlic (finely minced) Use fresh garlic for better flavor.
- 1 cup Mushrooms (sautéed) You can omit or replace with another vegetable.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste For a gentle kick.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the sautéed mushrooms and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Cooking
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, mixing everything evenly. Finally, add sliced chicken on top.
Serving
- Transfer the creamy chicken pasta to plates and garnish with extra parsley and parmesan if desired.