Get ready for pure comfort in a bowl! The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta is everything you crave in a cozy weeknight dinner: juicy, flavor-packed chicken, a silky parmesan sauce, and spiraled pasta that captures every luxurious bite. This dish will have everyone (yes, even picky eaters!) licking their plates and begging for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Maximum Creaminess: The luscious parmesan and heavy cream sauce clings to every pasta twist and chicken slice—no dry bites here!
- Bold, Balanced Flavors: Smoky paprika, garlic, and a hit of chili flakes create layers of taste that make this so much more than ordinary pasta.
- Quick & Easy: From pan to plate in about 35 minutes, this is gourmet comfort food you can whip up on a busy weeknight.
- Family-Friendly and Flexible: Picky kids? Spice lovers? Veggie fans? The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta is endlessly customizable to match every appetite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list for The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta, just a handful of powerhouse ingredients. Each one shines here: bold spices, fresh cream, Parmesan, and the freshest chicken and pasta you can find—let’s team up for magic!
- Chicken breast (butterflied): Ensures speedy, even cooking and juicy, tender slices in every bite.
- Salt & pepper: The fundamental duo—always season generously to develop flavor at every step.
- Smoked paprika: Adds warm, smoky depth that makes this sauce irresistible.
- Garlic powder & fresh garlic: Layered garlic flavor, both savory and aromatic.
- Dried parsley: For a fresh, herby background, plus extra color.
- Chili flakes: Just a hint of heat to keep things interesting (adjust to taste).
- Olive oil & butter: Olive oil helps marinate and sear the chicken, while butter adds extra richness to both chicken and sauce.
- Onion: Sautéed for natural, sweet undertones.
- Heavy cream: The backbone of our dreamy, velvety sauce.
- Flour slurry (flour mixed with water): Gently thickens the sauce to coat pasta beautifully.
- Fresh parsley: Stirred in at the end for a vibrant, fresh bite (plus it looks gorgeous!).
- Fusilli pasta: The spirals hold onto creamy sauce better than any other shape—trust me, it’s the secret hero here.
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Melts into the sauce for irresistible savory flavor and perfect creaminess.
Variations
The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta isn’t just delicious—it’s your blank canvas. With a few simple tweaks, you can make it suit any dietary restriction, spice level, or craving that strikes!
- Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or grilled zucchini—soak up all that creamy sauce with your favorite veg.
- Low-Carb: Try zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or your favorite low-carb pasta to lighten things up.
- Spice it Up: Add more chili flakes, or stir in a spoonful of calabrian chili paste to bring extra heat.
- Go Green: Toss in a couple handfuls of baby spinach or arugula at the end for color and nutrients.
How to Make The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by butterflying your chicken breast—just slice it horizontally for thinner, even pieces. Pat dry, then sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, and a hint of chili flakes. Drizzle with olive oil, rub in well, and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This quick marinade infuses the chicken with flavor and helps keep it juicy later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large non-stick pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sear your marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through—don’t rush this step! Let the chicken rest for a few minutes while you start the sauce, then slice it into beautiful, tender strips.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pan, add 2 more tablespoons of butter and let it bubble until just barely browned (this adds a nutty depth!). Toss in the diced onion and garlic, stirring until softened and super fragrant—there’s nothing better than this smell drifting through the kitchen.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, then slowly drizzle in your flour slurry while stirring to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes—it should thicken slightly (it’ll coat a spoon!). Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, and plenty of fresh chopped parsley, adjusting to taste.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is coming together, cook the fusilli in a big pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain well, but don’t rinse—the starch on the pasta helps everything cling together in creamy harmony.
Step 6: Toss Together and Serve
Add the drained pasta right into the sauce, tossing gently so every curl gets coated. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and give everything a final stir so the cheese melts and the sauce turns downright dreamy. Pile the sliced chicken over the top, add a rain of parsley or extra cheese, and prepare to devour!
Pro Tips for Making The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Even 10 minutes transforms your chicken—don’t skip the spice rub, it’s the secret to savory, crave-worthy bites.
- Keep the Chicken Juicy: Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps juices inside, ensuring every forkful is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Brown That Butter: Let butter cook until just golden before adding your aromatics—it brings out a cozy, nutty aroma that takes the whole sauce up a notch!
- Freshly Grated Cheese FTW: Always, always grate Parmesan from a block—pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly or deliver that signature umami punch.
How to Serve The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta
Garnishes
A last-minute flourish makes all the difference! Sprinkle on extra chopped parsley for freshness, a little more grated Parmesan for cheesy goodness, or even a flicker of chili flakes for a hint of color and gentle heat. It’s amazing how a simple garnish makes The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta feel gourmet.
Side Dishes
This creamy dish shines solo, but if you want a well-rounded meal, add a bright side salad with a zippy vinaigrette or a mountain of garlicky green beans. A slice of warm, crusty bread for mopping up extra sauce? Absolutely non-negotiable!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve family-style in a big, shallow bowl with sliced chicken fanned over the pasta (everyone loves that reveal!). Or, plate single portions with chicken arranged artfully and a flick of fresh herbs—the sauce pooling beneath makes every serving look like restaurant magic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have extra? Lucky you! Scoop leftover pasta and chicken into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken a bit as it chills, but the flavors will deepen and get even cozier.
Freezing
The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely, then divide into freezer-friendly containers (pasta, sauce, and chicken all together). Freeze for up to 2 months—just keep in mind the sauce may separate a bit but will come together as it reheats.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk and warm gently in a pan on low heat, stirring frequently until creamy and piping hot. For microwaving, cover loosely and stir halfway through. Avoid high heat to keep the sauce smooth and prevent drying out the chicken.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully and will be especially juicy. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they’re fully cooked through before slicing.
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Can I make The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta gluten-free?
Yes—simply swap the fusilli for your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the slurry. The sauce is naturally gluten-free aside from the flour thickener.
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What other cheeses can I use instead of Parmesan?
If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano make excellent swaps for a similarly sharp, salty kick. Even a bit of mozzarella will lend extra creaminess—experiment away!
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How can I make the sauce even richer or lighter?
To amp up richness, add a splash more cream or a dab of cream cheese; for a lighter version, use half-and-half or even a combo of milk and a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for an epic weeknight dinner that’s surprisingly easy yet worthy of a special occasion, do yourself a favor and whip up The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta. One forkful and you’ll see why this dish is a beloved favorite—so creamy, savory, and totally comforting. Can’t wait for you to taste every dreamy, saucy bite!
Print
The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy chicken and pasta recipe. Tender marinated chicken served over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta, all smothered in a rich and flavorful cream sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 large chicken breast, butterflied
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter for cooking
For the Pasta Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon flour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (flour slurry)
- Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 oz cooked Fusilli Pasta
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Season the butterflied chicken breast with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, and chili flakes. Drizzle with olive oil and let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside to rest before slicing.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened. Pour in heavy cream and stir in the flour slurry. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add Flavor: Mix in smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, and parsley. Let the sauce bubble gently.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook Fusilli Pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Bring it Together: Add the pasta to the sauce, toss to coat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt.
- Top with Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken and place it over the pasta. Garnish as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
