Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipes That Will Transform Your Dinner Routine

Have you ever craved restaurant-quality pasta at home but thought it was too complicated to make? Think again! Mastering creamy chicken pasta recipes at home is not only achievable but incredibly rewarding. Making easy creamy chicken pasta from scratch allows you to control ingredients, customize flavors to your family's preferences, and save money compared to dining out. This velvety, satisfying dish combines tender chicken pieces with perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious cream sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers comfort food at its finest without requiring advanced culinary skills.

Ingredients List

    • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
    • 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
    • Optional: ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
    • Optional: 2 cups fresh spinach

For the Sauce:

    • 1½ cups heavy cream
    • 1 cup chicken broth
    • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes

This dish comes together faster than ordering takeout and waiting for delivery. The hands-on cooking time is minimal, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table quickly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid is your secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency later. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels for better browning. Season generously with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant—don't let it burn! Sprinkle flour over the butter and whisk constantly for 1 minute to create a roux that will thicken your creamy chicken pasta recipes.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Cream Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Once smooth, add heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it bubble for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Combine Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired consistency for the perfect easy creamy chicken pasta.

Step 6: Final Touches Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper. If using spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, stir them in now and cook just until the spinach wilts. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4):

    • Calories: 685
    • Protein: 42g
    • Carbohydrates: 58g
    • Fat: 32g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Vitamin A: 18% DV
    • Calcium: 25% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Protein Swaps: Substitute chicken with shrimp (reduce cooking time to 3-4 minutes), Italian sausage, or grilled salmon for variety.

Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan. The flavor profile changes slightly but remains delicious.

Vegetable Additions: Mushrooms, broccoli florets, roasted red peppers, or peas all work beautifully in this dish. Sauté vegetables before adding them to the sauce.

Lighter Option: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half and reduce butter to 1 tablespoon. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still flavorful.

Meal Prep Friendly: Make a double batch and portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute cornstarch for flour when making the roux.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken: Dry, rubbery chicken ruins this dish. Use a meat thermometer and remove chicken at exactly 165°F internal temperature.

Adding Cheese Too Quickly: Adding Parmesan to boiling sauce causes it to clump and become grainy. Always reduce heat to low before incorporating cheese gradually.

Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grate fresh Parmesan for the silkiest sauce.

Overcooking the Pasta: Mushy pasta absorbs too much sauce and becomes soggy. Cook to al dente—it should have a slight bite when tested.

Not Reserving Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is essential for adjusting sauce consistency. Always save at least one cup before draining.

Sauce Breaking or Separating: This happens when heat is too high. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer, never a rolling boil.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store leftover creamy chicken pasta recipes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, which is completely normal.

To reheat, add 2-3 tablespoons of milk, cream, or chicken broth to the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir gently until warmed through and the sauce loosens to its original consistency. You can also microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, adding a splash of liquid as needed.

For freezing this easy creamy chicken pasta, portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving ½-inch headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that cream-based sauces may separate slightly after freezing, but stirring while reheating usually restores the texture. For best results, slightly undercook the pasta if you know you'll be freezing portions, as it will continue to soften during reheating.