creamy chiken pasta

Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Base

1. In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the pan.

Step 3: Add Cream and Seasonings

1. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and adjust with salt and pepper.
3. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Option 1 – One-Pan Method:

• Add uncooked pasta directly into the sauce.
• Pour in 1 to 1½ cups of hot water.
• Cover and simmer on low, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender (about 10–12 minutes). Add water if needed to prevent sticking.

Option 2 – Traditional Method:

• Cook pasta separately in boiling salted water until al dente.
• Drain and add to the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta

1. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to coat in the sauce.
2. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reheat the chicken and allow flavors to blend.
3. If using extras like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, stir them in now and cook until wilted or heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or more Parmesan on top.
• Enjoy with garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Don’t overcook the chicken – It should be juicy and tender.
• Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-grated cheese often contains starch that prevents melting smoothly.
• Add-ins: Try mushrooms, broccoli, peas, or chili flakes for variety.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk with a cornstarch slurry instead of cream.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken Pasta is a soul-satisfying dish that never goes out of style. It’s perfect for cozy nights, date dinners, or feeding a hungry crowd. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility — rich and decadent yet customizable for any taste.

Once you make this creamy creation, it’ll be hard not to put it on repeat in your kitchen.

Would you like a printable version or a dairy-free/vegan adaptation?