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The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Craving a quick, comforting meal that feels gourmet but comes together in just 25 minutes?

This Creamy Chicken Pasta is rich, garlicky, and loaded with Parmesan, yet perfectly balanced with a touch of lemon for freshness.

The best part? It’s faster than takeout and way more delicious!

If you love comfort food that’s easy to make and feels like a restaurant-quality dish, this recipe is for you.

For Creamy Chicken Pasta

  • Pasta – Use your favorite type of pasta. Fettuccine works great, but any shape will do!
  • Olive Oil – Helps sear the chicken and adds a rich flavor.
  • Chicken Breast – Can be swapped with chicken thighs for extra flavor.
  • Flour – Lightly coats the chicken to create a golden, crispy exterior.
  • Butter – Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
  • Garlic – Finely chopped for an aromatic base.
  • Rosemary – Brings a hint of freshness and earthiness to the dish.
  • Cream – The base of the luscious, velvety sauce.
  • Black Pepper – Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the sauce.
  • Lemon Juice – Balances the richness of the cream with a touch of acidity.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce for a bold, cheesy bite.
  • Lemon Zest & Extra Rosemary – Perfect for garnish and a burst of freshness.

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  • Butter – Helps sauté the garlic and herbs.
  • Garlic – Provides that irresistible, savory flavor.
  • Rosemary – Infuses the sauce with a delicate herbal note.
  • Cream – The base of the sauce, making it ultra-smooth.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, salty richness.
  • Black Pepper – Gives a slight kick to balance the flavors.
  • Lemon Juice – Cuts through the creaminess for a bright finish.
  • Reserved Pasta Water – Helps thicken the sauce and coat the pasta beautifully.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Rosemary Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken, a velvety parmesan cream sauce, and fragrant rosemary. With a hint of lemon for freshness, this pasta is both indulgent and balanced. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it's easy to make and bursting with flavor!
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2

Notes

Ingredients

  • 200g dried pasta or 300g fresh pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 chicken breast (or substitute with chicken thighs)
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, roughly chopped
  • ¾ cup cream
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 50g Parmesan, finely grated
  • Lemon zest and extra rosemary for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Boil salted water and cook pasta 1 minute less than package instructions.
    • Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Flatten the chicken breast to an even thickness (1-1.5 cm) using a rolling pin under plastic wrap.
    • Season both sides with salt and pepper, then lightly dust with flour.
  3. Cook the Chicken:
    • Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
    • Cook the chicken for about 2 minutes per side (or longer if thicker).
    • Wrap lightly in foil and set aside to rest.
  4. Make the Sauce:
    • Melt butter in the same pan over medium heat.
    • Sauté garlic for 1 minute (do not let it brown).
    • Stir in rosemary and cook for another 30 seconds.
    • Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil).
    • Gradually add Parmesan, stirring until melted.
    • Mix in black pepper and lemon juice.
    • Add ¼ cup pasta water and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
  5. Combine Everything:
    • Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, allowing it to bubble gently for 1-2 minutes.
    • Slice the chicken and serve it on top or mixed into the pasta.
    • Garnish with extra rosemary, lemon zest, and Parmesan.

 

 

Notes:

  • Pasta Choice: Use any pasta shape. Weighing portions helps maintain the perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio.
  • Sauce Consistency: It may seem too saucy at first, but cream sauces thicken quickly after simmering.
  • Chicken Options: Use chicken thighs for more flavor or increase the quantity for a meatier dish.
  • Alternative Cooking Method: Slice the chicken before pan-frying for quicker cooking.
  • Non-Cream Version: Try a Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken for a lighter option.

 

 

Nutrition

Calories: 529kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 53g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 20g |
 Cholesterol: 208mg | Sodium: 848mg | Potassium: 968mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g |
 Vitamin A: 1150IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 285mg | Iron: 4mg
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1. Can I use milk instead of cream for the sauce?
Using whole milk instead of cream may result in a thinner sauce. For a rich, velvety texture, it’s best to stick with heavy cream.

2. What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
While fettuccine is a classic choice, you can use any pasta shape you prefer.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of cooking it fresh?
It’s recommended to cook the chicken fresh for this recipe, as cooking it in the pan adds flavor to the sauce.

4. How can I reheat leftovers without the sauce separating?
Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help maintain the sauce’s consistency.

5. Is it necessary to reserve pasta water, and why?
Yes, reserving pasta water is important. The starchy water helps thicken the sauce and allows it to adhere better to the pasta.

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