The Creamiest Chicken Pasta Recipe You’ll Ever Fall For

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy chicken pasta recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Rich, velvety sauce coats every strand of pasta with luxurious flavor.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among the noodles, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of creaminess and savory goodness.

Home cooks will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without sacrificing taste.

The simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-worthy dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible pasta that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable meal.

Why Creamy Chicken Pasta Always Delivers

• This recipe delivers a luxurious, velvety sauce that wraps around every pasta strand, creating a mouthwatering experience that feels like a warm culinary hug.
• With simple steps and readily available ingredients, home cooks can whip up a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or extensive kitchen skills.
• Perfect for satisfying hungry families, impressing dinner guests, or enjoying a delicious solo meal that requires minimal preparation and cleanup.
• The method of deglazing with wine and building layers of flavor through careful seasoning transforms ordinary chicken and pasta into an extraordinary dining experience.

Ingredients in Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender protein that provides the main source of meat in this creamy pasta dish.

• White Wine, Butter, Chicken Broth, Half-and-Half: A combination that creates a rich and velvety sauce base with complex flavor layers.
• Garlic: Adds a aromatic and pungent flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a smooth, creamy texture.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Cheeses that melt smoothly and add a creamy, savory depth to the sauce.
• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that serves as the perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce and chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: A classic seasoning mix that provides balanced and traditional flavor to the chicken and overall dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and providing a subtle, rich cooking base.
• Pasta Water: Reserved to help adjust the sauce consistency and create a silky finish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cutlets

Slice chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner pieces.

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Dust the seasoned chicken lightly with flour to create a golden exterior.

Heat olive oil in a skillet until it’s hot and sizzling.

Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, ensuring a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Remove the chicken and let it rest on a plate.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Pour white wine into the same skillet to deglaze.

Use a spatula to scrape up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Allow the wine to reduce by half, which concentrates the flavors and removes the raw alcohol taste.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Sauce

Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet.

Sauté briefly, then sprinkle in flour.

Stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.

• Chicken broth
• Half-and-half

Whisk constantly as the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and luxurious.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook pasta until it reaches al dente stage – tender with a slight firmness when bitten.

Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water for later use.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Stir cheeses into the sauce until they melt completely.

Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.

Slice the rested chicken and add to the pasta.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create the perfect creamy consistency.

Serve immediately while hot and steamy.

Tips for Silky Chicken Pasta Sauce

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Temper the half-and-half by gradually adding hot sauce to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Save a cup of starchy pasta water to rescue thick sauces, helping to thin and create a silky, clingy consistency that coats every noodle.
• Grate cheese freshly and add off the heat to prevent graininess, ensuring a luxuriously smooth and glossy sauce.
• Choose a dry white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to enhance the sauce's complexity without overpowering the dish's delicate flavors.

How to Store Creamy Pasta Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Pour pasta into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little broth or cream to revive the sauce's creamy texture. Stir gently and continuously to prevent sticking. Warm for 4-5 minutes until heated evenly.

What Pairs with Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering the delicate chicken flavors. The wine's acidity will cut through the richness and refresh your palate between bites.
• Herb-Infused Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's creaminess. Toss in some fresh parsley, basil, and toasted pine nuts for added texture and brightness that echoes the dish's Italian seasoning.
• Texture-Enhancing Accompaniment: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the luxurious sauce. Sprinkle some fresh parmesan and chopped herbs on top to mirror the pasta's cheesy, herbal notes and provide a delightful crunch.
• Temperature-Contrasting Starter: Begin with a chilled caprese salad featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. This light, cool appetizer will set the stage for the warm, comforting main course.

Twists to Try with Chicken Pasta

• Gluten-Free Pasta Swap: Replace wheat pasta with rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta for a celiac-friendly version. Substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when coating chicken.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of half-and-half and nutritional yeast in place of cheese. Swap butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine to create a creamy sauce without dairy products.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use almond flour for chicken coating and reduce sauce quantity to maintain lighter macronutrient profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or cubed firm tofu. Season plant-based protein similarly and sear using same technique for comparable texture and flavor absorption.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Slice the chicken thinly and sear quickly on high heat to lock in moisture and create a golden crust.

• Can I substitute the white wine?

Use chicken broth or chicken stock as a non-alcoholic alternative. If you prefer, apple juice or additional broth can work to deglaze the pan and add flavor complexity.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are ideal. Choose a pasta shape that can hold the creamy sauce well. Ensure you cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes during the sauce-making process. These ingredients boost nutrition and add extra flavor and texture to the creamy chicken pasta.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible Creamy Chicken Pasta weaves Italian comfort with bold flavors, combining tender chicken and silky sauce. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal that will delight you at first bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1/3 cup Romano cheese (grated)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon parsley (dried)
• 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Other Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup flour
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 1/4 cups half and half
• 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 chicken bouillon cube
• 1/2 pound (0.5 lb) pasta (any kind)
• 1 cup pasta water (optional)
• 1 lemon (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by slicing lengthwise into thinner cutlets, creating an even cooking surface. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then lightly dust with flour for a crisp exterior.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken pieces, ensuring they’re not touching. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside to rest.
3. Deglaze the pan with white wine, using a spatula to scrape up caramelized bits from the bottom. Allow liquid to reduce by half, concentrating the flavor profile.
4. Lower heat and add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté briefly, then sprinkle flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
5. Gradually pour in chicken broth and half-and-half mixture, whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy base. Simmer until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
6. Meanwhile, cook pasta in heavily salted water until just al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
7. Incorporate cheeses into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and integrated. Add pasta and gently toss to coat evenly.
8. Slice rested chicken and fold into the creamy pasta. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if needed. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and better browning of the chicken.
• Slice chicken against the grain for more tender, easier-to-eat pieces that maintain moisture.
• Choose dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the most complementary flavor profile.
• Grate fresh Parmesan and Romano cheeses for a more intense, authentic taste compared to pre-shredded options.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that elevates the entire dish’s complexity.
• Reserve pasta water before draining – its starchy composition helps create a silkier, more cohesive sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg