Quick & Tasty Chicken Pasta Recipe For Busy Weeknights

Creamy chicken pasta blends luxurious textures and hearty ingredients into a single magnificent meal.

Sophisticated comfort food whispers culinary magic through its smooth, silky sauce and tender protein components.

Families and food enthusiasts alike gravitate toward this delectable combination that revamps simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

The harmonious marriage of succulent meat and perfectly cooked noodles creates a symphony of satisfaction on every plate.

Complex flavors emerge from carefully selected seasonings that elevate this dish beyond ordinary weeknight dinners.

Unexpected depth and richness make this recipe a reliable crowd-pleaser that feels both familiar and exciting.

You’ll want to savor each creamy, perfectly balanced forkful.

Creamy Chicken Pasta: A Rich and Delicious Dish

• Whip Up a One-Pan Wonder: This recipe simplifies cooking by using a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and making meal preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Enjoy Creamy Comfort in Minutes: The dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxurious cream cheese sauce that comes together in just 20 minutes, providing a quick and satisfying meal.
• Pack Flavor with Flexible Ingredients: Customize the pasta by adding optional spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, allowing for personal taste preferences while keeping the core recipe deliciously consistent.
• Nutrient-Dense Protein Powerhouse: With 38 grams of protein per serving, this meal supports muscle health and provides sustained energy, making it an excellent choice for active individuals and fitness enthusiasts.

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the dish, best when using boneless and skinless chicken breast for even cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Adds rich flavor and helps cook the pasta, low-sodium varieties work well for better control of salt content.

• Penne Pasta: Hearty pasta shape that holds sauce nicely, works great for one-pot meals.
• Milk: Creates smooth and creamy texture in the sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Adds rich, tangy creaminess to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty finish and depth of flavor.

• Butter: Creates initial cooking base and adds richness.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic and intense flavor.
• Pesto: Brings herbaceous and nutty notes to the sauce.
• Spinach: Optional fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Optional ingredient for bright, concentrated tomato flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and enhances overall seasoning.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Optional spicy element for those who enjoy heat.

How to Make the Creamiest Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Brown Chicken

Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, releasing its aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Cook Pasta in Broth

Add uncooked penne and chicken broth to the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 8 minutes until pasta is tender.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Milk
• Cream cheese
• Pesto

Cook until everything melts together smoothly. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and mix well.

Step 5: Enhance and Finish

• Fresh spinach
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Cook until spinach wilts. Season with cracked black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Chef’s Tip: For a richer dish, use full-fat cream cheese and freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor.

Tips for Perfecting Your Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Slice Chicken Uniformly: Cut chicken into equal 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Brown Chicken Perfectly: Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve a golden-brown crust that locks in flavor.
• Control Liquid Absorption: Stir occasionally while simmering pasta to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of penne.
• Melt Cheese Gradually: Add cream cheese and Parmesan slowly, stirring continuously to create a smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Customize with Fresh Add-ins: Experiment with seasonal vegetables like kale or roasted bell peppers to enhance nutritional value and add vibrant colors.

How to Store Leftover Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Store the pasta dish for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping its creamy texture and flavor intact. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other food odors.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain the pasta's original consistency. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and avoid scorching the bottom of the dish.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, ensuring the chicken and pasta remain tender and delicious when you're ready to enjoy your meal again.

Best Pairings for Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy sauce, balancing the richness with its bright, zesty notes.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed herbs like basil, parsley, and arugula, dressed with a light vinaigrette to contrast the pasta's creamy texture.
• Add Garlic Bread on the Side: Prepare a crusty, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy complement to the smooth pasta dish.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and sea salt to add a healthy, slightly charred element that enhances the chicken pasta's flavor profile.

Creative Twists on Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace pesto with sun-dried tomato paste and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap pesto for chipotle sauce, and sprinkle cilantro on top for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mushroom Lovers Edition: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with the chicken, adding an earthy depth and umami richness to the pasta.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Substitute chicken with cubed firm tofu or roasted chickpeas, keeping the creamy sauce and herbs intact for a plant-based alternative.

Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken pasta brings Italian comfort to weeknight dining. Rich alfredo sauce and tender chicken create a luxurious meal perfect for quick family dinners.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast

Pasta and Dairy:

• 0.5 lb (227 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 3 ounces (85 grams) cream cheese, cut into chunks
• 0.25 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids, Seasonings, and Optional Add-ins:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) chicken broth
• 0.33 cup (80 milliliters) basil pesto
• Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper (optional)
• 3 cups (85 grams) fresh spinach (optional)
• 0.25 cup (35 grams) sliced sun-dried tomatoes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Dice chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
2. Melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully placing chicken pieces to achieve a golden-brown exterior with crispy edges.
3. Add minced fresh garlic and sauté for approximately 45-60 seconds, releasing its aromatic flavors without burning.
4. Introduce uncooked penne pasta and low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape and incorporate any caramelized bits from the bottom for enhanced flavor depth.
5. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow pasta to simmer for 8-9 minutes until perfectly al dente.
6. Gently incorporate whole milk, softened cream cheese, and vibrant basil pesto, stirring continuously until ingredients meld into a smooth, creamy sauce.
7. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely integrated and sauce reaches desired consistency.
8. Optional: Fold in fresh baby spinach leaves and julienned sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until spinach wilts and vegetables are heated through.
9. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Elevate your weeknight dinner with this one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Creamy pesto sauce coats tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a flavor explosion in every single bite.
• Customize your dish by swirling in extra veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
• Grab pre-cut chicken to save time, or slice your own for a more personal touch that feels like a homemade masterpiece.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and develop their rich, complex profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 120mg