Creamy chicken pasta dish served in a bowl with herbs and cheese garnish.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Weeknight Easy

If you’re looking for a quick and creamy dinner option, this creamy chicken pasta is perfect. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. You can enjoy a hearty meal in just about thirty minutes! You may also find Creamy Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup Easy useful.

Why Make This Recipe

  • It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • The creamy sauce is rich and satisfying, sure to please everyone.
  • One-pot meal means less cleanup, so you can relax after dinner.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta

This dish combines pasta with tender chicken and a creamy sauce. You start by cooking the pasta and the chicken separately. Then, you’ll tie everything together with the sauce for a delicious meal. For a different flavor experience, you might want to check out this creamy chicken broccoli pasta recipe.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz penne or your favorite pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. The pasta: In a large pot of salted water, bring to a boil and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. The chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. The sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and onion powder, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  4. Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet and mix in the cooked pasta. Add the Worcestershire sauce and parsley, stirring until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
  5. Dish out the pasta into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy warm!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta

This pasta dish can be served on its own or paired with a light side salad. You could also serve it with garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings!

How to Store Creamy Chicken Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out while reheating.

Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta

  • Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
  • Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
  • For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Pair with your favorite cheese for extra creaminess.

Variations

  • Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood twist.
  • Use whole grain pasta for a healthier option.
  • Add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any pasta shape will work, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
  • Is there a way to make this recipe healthier? Yes, you can use low-fat cream and add more vegetables.
  • Can I prepare this in advance? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then combine with the pasta before serving.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken pasta is a delightful meal that’s easy to prepare for any day of the week. If you’re interested in other creamy chicken recipes, you might enjoy Creamy Chicken Pasta – South Your Mouth or delve into The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe – The Burnt Butter Table for more delicious ideas!

Creamy chicken pasta dish served in a bowl with herbs and cheese garnish.

Creamy Chicken Pasta

A quick and creamy dinner option packed with flavor, ready in just about thirty minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 12 oz penne or your favorite pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil for cooking
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot of salted water, bring to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. Cook for about 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and onion powder, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Combining Everything
  1. Return the chicken to the skillet and mix in the cooked pasta.
  2. Add the Worcestershire sauce and parsley, stirring until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
  3. Dish out the pasta into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy warm!

Notes

Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender. Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition. For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. Pair with your favorite cheese for extra creaminess. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

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