When you’re craving a rich and creamy dish that feels like a big hug on a plate, Creamy Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need. This dish is the perfect balance of tender chicken, smooth cream, and perfectly cooked pasta—all coated in a luscious sauce that brings it all together. Creamy Chicken Pasta is comforting, filling, and just the kind of meal that makes you feel at home.
The creamy sauce for Creamy Chicken Pasta is made with simple ingredients like garlic, cream, and a little Parmesan (or a plant-based alternative if you prefer). The chicken is seasoned perfectly, juicy, and tender, adding the perfect amount of protein to keep you satisfied. It’s a dish that comes together in no time, making it great for both busy weeknights and special weekend meals.
I first made Creamy Chicken Pasta on a random weeknight when I was craving something comforting but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I had chicken breasts in the fridge, some pasta in the pantry, and a few other basic ingredients, so I decided to give it a shot.
When it was done, the smell was incredible—garlic and creamy goodness all mixed together. One bite of Creamy Chicken Pasta, and I was hooked. The chicken was juicy, the pasta was perfectly coated in the creamy sauce, and the whole dish was so comforting. Ever since, Creamy Chicken Pasta has become one of my go-to recipes for family dinners or when I just want something satisfying that doesn’t take long to make.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy – A smooth, indulgent sauce that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy nights.
- Comfort Food – The kind of dish that makes you feel cozy and satisfied.
- Customizable – Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Kid-Friendly – A dish that everyone, from toddlers to adults, will love.
Health Benefits of Creamy Chicken Pasta
While indulgent, this dish still packs some health benefits:
- Protein-Packed – The chicken provides a great source of lean protein, keeping you full longer.
- Calcium-Rich – The cream and cheese contribute to your daily calcium intake.
- Vitamin B6 – Chicken is a good source of B6, supporting brain health and mood.
- Balanced Meal – The pasta provides carbs for energy, while the chicken offers protein for muscle repair.
When to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta
This dish is great for many occasions, including:
- Weeknight Dinners – When you need something hearty and satisfying but quick to prepare.
- Date Nights – Perfect for a romantic dinner at home.
- Family Meals – A crowd-pleasing dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.
- Special Occasions – Serve it at a gathering or celebration for something extra special.
- Leftovers for Lunch – This pasta makes great leftovers for the next day!
Chef’s Notes: Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Watch the Garlic – Sauté garlic for just 1 minute to avoid bitterness. The perfect amount of time brings out its sweetness and aroma.
- Fresh Parmesan is Key – Use freshly grated parmesan for better meltability and flavor. Pre-grated cheese lacks the creamy richness.
- Customize Your Greens – While broccoli is the classic choice, spinach or peas can be used for variation.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Since you’re using pre-cooked chicken, just heat it through to avoid over-drying.
- Perfect Pasta – Cook pasta al dente to ensure it doesn’t get mushy when combined with the creamy sauce.
- Sauce Thickness – If your sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.
- Extra Flavor – Add sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, or fresh herbs (like basil) during the final toss for added depth and color.
- Side Pairing – This pasta pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra milk or broth for creaminess.
Creamy Chicken Pasta
4
servings10
minutes10
minutes534
kcal20
minutesElevate your weeknight dinner with this sumptuous creamy chicken pasta that marries tender, pre‐cooked chicken with steamed broccoli and a velvety parmesan-infused Alfredo sauce. Each bite delivers a perfect blend of richness and brightness, making it a standout dish for busy evenings or impromptu dinner parties. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes as you savor each flavorful, health-conscious mouthful.
Ingredients
- Pasta Proteins
12 oz cavatappi pasta a robust spiral pasta that forms the perfect base
1 cup diced, pre-cooked chicken breast succulent and tender for each bite
- Vegetables
1 cup lightly steamed broccoli florets chopped into bite-sized pieces for crunch and color
- Flavor Foundations
3 cloves garlic finely minced
- Cheesy Accent
1 cup freshly grated parmesan providing a tangy, melting richness
- Sauce Components
1 cup hearty chicken broth the savory liquid base for the sauce
1 cup low fat milk adding creaminess with a lighter touch
- Thickening and Seasoning
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour used to create a smooth, thickened roux
1 tablespoon butter for sautéing garlic and building flavor
½ teaspoon ground black pepper adding subtle heat
¼ teaspoon salt to enhance all the flavors
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for an extra hint of spice if desired
- Alternative Ingredients
Cavatappi: Substitute with fusilli or penne for a similar texture.
Broccoli: Swap with steamed spinach or green peas for a different green element.
Chicken: Replace with turkey breast or firm tofu for a vegetarian twist; adjust cheese accordingly.
Parmesan: Use pecorino romano as a sharper alternative.
Chicken Broth: Can be replaced with vegetable broth for a lighter dairy-friendly version.
Low Fat Milk: Almond milk unsweetened or skim milk can be used if dairy is a concern.
Butter: Olive oil works well as a substitute in sautéing.
Flour: Cornstarch slurry mixed with equal water is an alternative thickener for gluten-free diets.
Garlic: Garlic powder may be used in a pinch use 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper can provide similar heat if red pepper flakes aren’t available.
Directions
- Pasta Boiling – Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add 12 oz of cavatappi and cook according to the package directions (approximately 10 minutes) until al dente; drain the pasta using a colander and set aside. This step ensures that your pasta retains the proper texture as the backbone of this dish.
- Sauce Creation – In a medium nonstick pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add 3 finely minced garlic cloves; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a smooth roux for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth followed by 1 cup of low fat milk. Continue stirring for around 5 minutes until the sauce thickens, and then season with ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt, and (if using) ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Finally, fold in 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan and allow it to melt completely over 2 minutes.
- Final Assembly – In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with 1 cup of steamed broccoli and 1 cup of diced, pre-cooked chicken. Gently pour the warm Alfredo sauce over the mixture, tossing thoroughly over 2 minutes until the pasta is evenly coated in a velvety layer. Optional: garnish with additional parmesan or a sprinkle of chopped herbs for extra flair, and serve immediately while hot.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- colander
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- nonstick pan
Notes
- For best results, be cautious not to overcook the garlic – a quick sauté brings out its natural aroma without bitterness. Freshly grated parmesan makes a world of difference in both meltability and flavor, so opt for a block over pre-grated varieties if possible. Serve this delightful pasta with a crisp mixed greens salad or a slice of garlic bread to round out the meal. For a creative twist, try tossing in sun-dried tomatoes or a handful of fresh spinach during the final assembly for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 534kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 41mg
- Sodium: 837mg
- Potassium: 458mg
- Carbohydrates: 74g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 26g
- Vitamin A: 582IU
- Vitamin C: 26mg
- Calcium: 405mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQs: Creamy Chicken Pasta
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use fusilli, penne, or any pasta shape you prefer.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or a plant-based protein. You may also swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian version.
Can I use heavy cream instead of low-fat milk?
Absolutely! Heavy cream will make the sauce even richer, but the dish will be higher in fat.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
How do I reheat this pasta?
Reheat gently in a pan with a little added chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy texture.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best to enjoy this pasta fresh, but the sauce can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Reheat and toss with fresh pasta.
What can I serve this pasta with?
Pair it with a crisp salad or some garlic bread to balance the richness of the sauce.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth as an alternative for a lighter flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free parmesan and plant-based milk to create a dairy-free version of this creamy pasta.
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