Creamy Chicken Pasta

There’s something really comforting about a big bowl of pasta, and this Creamy Chicken Pasta is the perfect example of comfort food. Picture juicy chicken slices covered in a smooth, rich cream sauce that sticks to every piece of pasta. This recipe takes your usual chicken pasta to the next level with tasty seasonings, white wine, and a mix of creamy cheeses.

In less than an hour, you can make a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying, great for a cozy family meal or a special occasion. What makes this recipe so wonderful is how it can be customized. You can keep it classic or add extras like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes—this creamy chicken pasta will always be a hit.

Get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta that you’ll want to eat again and again. 

Ingredients

Chicken:

• Boneless skinless chicken breast
• Salt/pepper
• Italian seasoning
• flour
• olive oil

Pasta/Sauce:

• Dry white wine 
• Butter
• Garlic
• Flour
• half and half ( half light cream, half milk)
• Chicken broth
• Chicken bouillon cube
• Parmesan cheese
• Romano cheese
• Pasta : Pasta types like Colavita Shells, fettuccine, linguine, and farfalle are also excellent choices.
• Lemon

Seasonings:

• onion powder
• garlic salt
• oregano
• basil
• mustard powder
• parsley
• smoked paprika

How To Make Creamy Chicken Pasta

1. Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 2-4 thinner pieces. Pound them with a meat mallet to tenderize. Season both sides and coat in flour. Sear the chicken in olive oil until browned, then set aside. Deglaze the skillet with white wine and cook until reduced by half.
2. Add butter and garlic to the skillet. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly. Gradually add half and half, chicken broth, and seasonings, mixing well after each addition.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Partially cover the skillet and cook the pasta until it reaches al dente.
4. Over low heat, stir in the cheese until melted. Add the cooked pasta and chicken, stirring until everything is well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to reach your preferred consistency. Serve immediately, and for extra flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top before serving.

Top Tips

• Add 1 teaspoon each of Worcestershire sauce, Frank’s hot sauce, and honey to the chicken broth mixture in step 1. While these ingredients aren’t noticeable on their own, they enhance the overall flavor. 
• Roasted broccoli, spinach, and cherry tomatoes make a great base. If you’re including mushrooms, it’s best to sauté them separately and mix them into the sauce at the end.
• In a separate skillet, crisp up some panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle them over the pasta just before serving!

How To Store

Keep in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat leftovers, use a makeshift double boiler to maintain the original texture. Adding a bit of reserved pasta water while reheating can help smooth the sauce; if you don’t have pasta water, a splash of milk or chicken broth works as well. Be sure to thaw frozen leftovers completely before reheating.

Recipe adapted from The Cozy Cook.