The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re searching for The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe that delivers total comfort in less than 30 minutes, you’re in the right place! Tender chicken, fragrant rosemary, and a velvety parmesan cream sauce swirl around your favorite pasta for a truly irresistible weeknight treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed that such simple, fresh ingredients can come together to make The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe. Each ingredient is there for a reason—bringing flavor, texture, and that unforgettable creaminess to the finished dish.

• Dried or Fresh Pasta (200g dried or 300g fresh): Choose your favorite shape—short or long, just be sure to cook until al dente for the best bite.
• Chicken Breast: A single chicken breast goes a long way here; flattening ensures it cooks quickly and evenly!
• Olive Oil: A tablespoon is all you need to give the chicken beautiful color and seal in moisture.
• Flour: Just a light dusting gives the chicken a gorgeous golden crust and helps thicken the sauce slightly.
• Butter: Adds essential richness to the garlic and rosemary base of the sauce.
• Fresh Garlic (3 cloves): The foundation of flavor—chopped, never pressed, for the best taste.
• Fresh Rosemary: Roughly chopped so every bite bursts with herbal, piney aroma.
• Cream (¾ cup): The star of your luscious sauce—go for heavy or double cream for ultimate silkiness.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground gives a little heat and depth.
• Lemon Juice: Just a splash to brighten the whole creamy sauce (never skip this step!).
• Parmesan (50g, finely grated): For nutty, salty, umami richness that brings the sauce together.
• Lemon Zest & Extra Rosemary: For garnish and finishing flavor that wakes up the whole plate.

Variations

One of the best parts about The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe is just how flexible it is! Use what you have handy, tweak for dietary needs, or get creative with what’s in season—there’s really no wrong turn here.

• Swap the Protein: Use boneless thighs, cooked shrimp, or even shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
• Add Veggies: Stir in baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes for color and extra nutrition.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour for dredging.
• Turn Up the Heat: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne while frying the garlic for a spicier twist.

How to Make The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of well-salted water to a boil, then cook your pasta until just a minute shy of al dente. This keeps the noodles from getting mushy once they hit the creamy sauce. Before draining, ladle out a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s liquid gold for finishing your sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Lay your chicken breast on a board, cover with plastic wrap, and gently pound it to an even thickness—about 1-1.5cm. This helps it cook lightning fast and stay juicy. Season generously with salt and pepper, then dust both sides with a little flour for a subtle crispy coating.

Step 3: Sear and Rest the Chicken

Add olive oil to a hot frying pan, then cook the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side—just until beautifully golden and cooked through (cook a touch longer if your breast is thick). Wrap loosely in foil and let it rest to stay tender and moist.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat, melt butter in the same pan, and gently fry chopped garlic for about a minute. It should barely sizzle—not brown! Add chopped rosemary, cooking for 30 seconds to release those gorgeous aromas. Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer—you want a few bubbles, never a rolling boil.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Build Flavor

Add parmesan cheese in batches, stirring so each addition melts smoothly and enriches your sauce. A generous grind of black pepper and a bright splash of lemon juice are next—this makes the flavors sing. Stir in a splash (about ¼ cup) of pasta water to help the sauce coat every noodle.

Step 6: Toss and Assemble

Add your cooked pasta to the pan, tossing everything together and letting it gently bubble for a minute or two. Slice the rested chicken and serve over the creamy pasta, or toss the pieces right in for full-on comfort. Don’t forget the final shower of lemon zest, extra rosemary, and plenty of parmesan!

How to Serve The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

To make each plate irresistible, top with finely grated parmesan, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and a few fresh rosemary leaves. The fresh herbs and zest not only add color, but also lift the creamy sauce, keeping it bright and inviting.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or a pile of garlicky sautéed greens. And if you’re feeling cozy, a side of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, twist the pasta into nests with tongs and top each with sliced chicken and a flourish of lemon zest and fresh herbs. For family-style dining, toss everything together in a big shallow platter—generously sprinkle extra parmesan tableside for that special finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully! Let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken in the fridge, but a splash of milk or cream brings it right back to life.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta, though cream sauces can sometimes separate after thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before reheating—adding a splash of cream helps restore the silky texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat the pasta in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power, stirring in a little splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid high heat so the sauce doesn’t split. Top with extra parmesan and lemon zest before serving to refresh the flavors!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe in your own kitchen. It’s the kind of cozy, flavor-packed meal that feels like a warm hug—perfect for any night you want to treat yourself or share something special with family. Let me know how it turns out, and don’t forget the extra sprinkle of parmesan on top!

Print