Chicken Pasta of Your Dreams Recipe
This Chicken Pasta of Your Dreams is creamy, savory, and bursting with flavor! Loaded with tender, juicy chicken, a velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe will make you fall in love with pasta all over again. It’s ideal for date nights, special occasions, or anytime you want a comforting yet elegant meal.
Necessary Kitchen Equipment
- Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and sauce.
- Large Pot: To cook the pasta.
- Tongs: To handle the chicken.
- Cheese Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan.
Ingredient Overview
- Chicken Breasts: Sliced into bite-sized pieces for a quick cook and even flavor.
- Heavy Cream & Cream Cheese: Creates a thick, creamy sauce that’s rich and smooth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick to the sauce.
- Garlic & Italian Seasoning: For an aromatic, herb-infused base.
- Pasta: Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle works beautifully here.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta (penne or rigatoni) and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water, and set aside. - Season and Sear the Chicken
Slice 2 large chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside. - Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1 cup of heavy cream, 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is melted and smooth, adding pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. - Combine with Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, stirring until well coated in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. - Garnish and Serve
Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Fresh Parmesan will melt better and give the sauce a smoother consistency.
- Cream Cheese: For extra creaminess, adjust the amount of cream cheese to taste.
- Pasta Water: Use as needed to control the sauce thickness and prevent it from becoming too heavy.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair with garlic bread, a side Caesar salad, or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra flavor and stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: This pasta is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente; reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken and sear in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown; set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, then add garlic, cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
- Combine: Add pasta and chicken to the sauce, stirring until coated. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Summary
This Chicken Pasta of Your Dreams is creamy, flavorful, and easy to make — everything you could want in a comfort food pasta dish.
Notes
Feel free to add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color!
Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and sauce.
- Large Pot: To cook the pasta.
- Tongs: To handle the chicken.
- Cheese Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta penne or rigatoni
- 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente; reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken and sear in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown; set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, then add garlic, cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
- Combine: Add pasta and chicken to the sauce, stirring until coated. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.