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
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in heavily salted water until just al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Incorporate cheeses into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and integrated. Add pasta and gently toss to coat evenly.
- 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