The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe (2024)

This Creamy Chicken Pasta recipe is so dependable, it's one of those staple weeknight dinners that we all need in our repertoire. It is comforting, insanely delicious and comes together in about 20 minutes. A creamy sauce loaded with garlic and parmesan cheese but freshened up with lemon to cut through the richness. I know the whole family will love it!

When I started writing recipes I always swore I would never write a chicken pasta! Want to know why? It really is so un-Italian. BUT the further I have gone on in this pasta journey the less I care about tradition. I'm not Italian and although I love authentic recipes there is a time and a place for a cozy dish like this. Comfort food personified.

I love that I am harping on about tradition, but hello? I put butter in my all my Cacio e Pepe sauces so who am I to talk? This creamy sauce is a go-to and is such an amazing base to add anything you like. Feel free to leave the chicken out, add some vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms. Make it your own!

For some similar creamy style sauces, try:

• Creamy Bacon Pasta
• Easy Pasta Primavera
• Creamy Sausage Pasta

Additions:

I wanted to keep this as a really simple base but it is crying out to be added to! Try any of these:

• Toasted sliced mushrooms
• Any fresh vegetables like broccoli, zucchini or green beans.
• A big handful of fresh spinach
• Some cooked crispy bacon pieces.

Expert tips

• For a juicy chicken breast, flatten it into an even layer. Ensures even and perfect cooking.
• The cream sauce should never be boilingjust a really nice gentle simmer on a medium or even medium-low heat.
• If using dried pasta, undercook it by a minuteso it can bubble awayINthe sauce for a minute or two at end and still be al dente.
• Always reserve a mug of the starchy pasta waterbefore draining. I like to try and time the pasta cooking and sauce so I can transfer the cooked pasta straight into the sauce. I use a spider strainer for this.

How to make this recipe

The full recipe, ingredient list and a short tutorial video are in the recipe card below.

How to perfectly pan-fry a chicken breast

ONE: Flatten the chicken breast down so it is all the same thickness. I get out some frustration by hitting it with a rolling pin on a cutting board!

TWO: For best results, flatten it to about 1 - 1.5cm thick for best results.

THREE: Season each side well with salt and black pepper. Dust with flour (optional but it adds a lovely golden crisp finish).

FOUR: Pan fry over a medium-high heat for 2 minutes each side until golden brown (or longer if your piece is thicker). Wrap lightly in foil and make the sauce.

Making the sauce

ONE: Using the same skillet fry the garlic in butter over medium heat. Add the rosemary scraping all the browned bits of chicken with a spatula.

TWO: Add the cream and bring to a very gentle simmer. Add the parmesan in 2 - 3 separate lots, letting it melt in between.

THREE: Add ¼ cup of pasta water.

FOUR: Add the black pepper and lemon juice and mix in quickly. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken.

FIVE: Add your cooked pasta in and toss well. Let it gently bubble away in the sauce for 1 - 2 minutes.

SIX: Slice the chicken breast and serve with extra fresh rosemary and lemon zest. Some red pepper flakes would also be delish.

How much salt to put in pasta water

If you can stomach a mouthful of your pasta water, you probably haven't salted it enough! I have learnt a lot about salting water from Samin Nosrat and her book and seriesSalt, Fat, Acid, Heat.

For two people I generally use about 1.75L of boiling water and I use about ¾ tablespoon of table salt. Personally, I don't want to waste fancy salt in water. Table salt is generally the saltiest of all salts so if you use something like Diamond Crystal Kosher salt or Maldon, you might need to go closer to 2 tablespoons.

Experiment with what works for your tastes. I can't stress the importance of salting your pasta water enough. It makes a HUGE difference. Remember, pasta has zero salt in it so seasoning your water is the one chance you have to add some flavour INTO the pasta.

Recipe FAQs

Want some other pasta dishes to try?

Loved this Creamy Chicken Pasta? I have load of pasta recipes from simple sauces for busy weeknights to more intricate handmade shapes. You have to make my Easy Three Ingredient Alfredo Sauce, it a staple for me! For another creamy concoction try my Spring Pasta Primavera, like this, perfect any night of the week. For a cheesy sauce my Easy Cheese Sauce with Bacon and Thyme is crazy good.

Made this recipe and loved it?

I would love love LOVE if you could leave me a review and star rating down below and let me know what you thought! I love to hear any changes or adaptions you have made too. Also if you put a photo oninstagram, please tag me so I can see, it makes my day!

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