If you’re searching for a surefire crowd-pleaser that delivers cozy comfort and vibrant flavor in every bite, this Chicken Pasta recipe is about to become your new obsession. Perfectly seasoned chicken mingles with sautéed garlic, tender spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with al dente pasta. Whether you need a speedy weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with minimal fuss, Chicken Pasta never lets you down—each forkful is rich, creamy, and colorful with delightful bursts of freshness. Let’s dive into this beloved classic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how straightforward this ingredient list is—each item is chosen for its ability to add just the right touch of flavor, color, and heartiness. From the juicy chicken to the bright tomatoes and creamy sauce, every part of this Chicken Pasta brings something special to the dish.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, providing richness and helping everything cook evenly.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Sliced for quick, juicy bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Salt: A must to bring out the flavors in every component, especially the chicken.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and depth to the dish.
- Italian seasoning: Instantly infuses your Chicken Pasta with classic herbal notes.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a fragrant, savory punch you simply can’t skip!
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat—add as much or as little as you like.
- Cherry tomatoes: These little gems burst with sweetness and add beautiful color.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts down to a delicate, nutrient-packed addition that rounds out the dish.
- Heavy cream: Creates that irresistibly creamy base for the sauce—substitute with half-and-half to lighten it up if you wish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce and adds savory umami depth.
- Penne pasta: Its tubes pick up every bit of the creamy sauce and chicken for the perfect bite.
- Pasta water (reserved): Just a splash helps loosen the sauce, ensuring everything stays silky smooth.
- Fresh basil (optional): A handful on top adds fresh aroma and a pop of green to finish things off beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Season your sliced chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add it to the pan once the oil is shimmering. Stir occasionally and let the pieces cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through—it’s already starting to smell amazing!
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic and the red pepper flakes if you love a gentle kick. Sauté for just 1 minute, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant and golden but not burned. This step is quick but crucial for infusing your Chicken Pasta with lush, layered flavors.
Step 3: Toss in Tomatoes and Spinach
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and let them soften, releasing a burst of sweet juice into the pan—this only takes about 2 minutes. Then, toss in the fresh spinach. It will wilt down fast, adding color and freshness that balances the richness of the sauce you’ll make in the next step.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, followed immediately by the grated Parmesan. Stir continuously until the Parmesan melts and the sauce turns luxuriously creamy. This is that velvety moment when Chicken Pasta starts to resemble restaurant quality!
Step 5: Toss with Pasta
Add your cooked penne pasta directly into the sauce, along with a splash of reserved pasta water to help everything coat evenly. Toss together for 1 to 2 minutes over low heat, letting the sauce cling deliciously to the noodles. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—then get ready to devour!
How to Serve Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil brings brightness and an irresistible aroma, while an extra grating of Parmesan never hurts for a salty-savory finish. For a touch of heat and color, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top works wonders. Serve in a big bowl while everything’s still steaming hot!
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or slices of crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also pair beautifully with Chicken Pasta, adding extra color and nutrients to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls with a twist of pasta piled high, garnished with whole basil leaves for an elegant touch. For casual gatherings, set up a DIY pasta bar where everyone can personalize their serving with additional toppings like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or roasted red peppers. Individual ramekins also make dinner party portions feel extra special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your Chicken Pasta completely, then transfer it to an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or effortless dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze Chicken Pasta, let it cool and portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months, though the cream sauce may change texture slightly upon thawing (a quick stir when you reheat helps it come back together).
Reheating
For the best results, reheat Chicken Pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce and keep it creamy. You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne holds the creamy sauce beautifully, you can swap in your favorite shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to cook the pasta to al dente so it doesn’t get mushy during the final simmer.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in Chicken Pasta?
If you’d prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. The sauce will be a bit less rich but still plenty creamy. For a dairy-free version, try unsweetened oat or cashew cream and a plant-based Parmesan alternative.
How can I make Chicken Pasta even more flavorful?
Feel free to play! Add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes or a handful of sautéed mushrooms for extra earthy depth. A splash of white wine before the cream goes in will also add brightness and complexity to the sauce.
Is Chicken Pasta good for meal prep?
Yes! Chicken Pasta reheats well and can be portioned into containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Just keep the garnishes on the side until ready to eat to maintain maximum freshness.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Definitely—using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut! Just add the shredded meat after you sauté the garlic, tossing to heat through before proceeding with the rest of the ingredients.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of the ultimate comforting dinner that tastes like a big, warm hug, this Chicken Pasta is truly hard to beat. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but deliciously impressive for special occasions. Give it a try and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple at your table!
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Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Chicken Pasta that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, cherry tomatoes, and spinach are enveloped in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, served over al dente penne pasta.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Pasta:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces penne pasta (cooked and drained)
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Cook the Pasta: Add garlic, red pepper flakes, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese to make a sauce. Toss with cooked pasta and reserved water.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
