Description
This Chicken Pasta Recipe is creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. Made with tender chicken, your favorite pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, it’s a perfect one-pan weeknight dinner. The best part? It’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies and cheeses and ready in under 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 8 oz penne, fettuccine, or your preferred pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (plus more if needed)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried herb blend
- Optional additions: 2 cups spinach, 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms
- Chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
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Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, add remaining olive oil (if needed). Sauté onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
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Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
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Add uncooked pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender (add more broth or water if needed).
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When pasta is nearly done, stir in cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until sauce is creamy and smooth.
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Return cooked chicken to the pan. Add optional veggies and simmer for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.
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Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or peas for more nutrition.
- Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Lighten it up by using milk instead of cream.
- Best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth.
