Decadent Chicken Pasta with a Lush Cream Sauce

I’ve whipped up a luscious chicken pasta dish featuring tender chicken pieces tossed in a rich, creamy sauce that beautifully coats al dente pasta—comfort food elevated to indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how the savory chicken and silky cream sauce come together to create a restaurant-worthy meal that’s easy to make. Every bite is luxurious yet approachable—I can have this on the table in under an hour and feel like I’m dining out at home.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Olive oil or unsalted butter

• Onion, finely chopped

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Mushrooms, sliced (optional but delicious)

• White wine or chicken broth for deglazing

• Heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Italian seasoning or fresh thyme/oregano

• Pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, linguine)

• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or basil

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente; reserve about ½ cup of pasta water and drain.

2. While the pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil or butter. Add chicken in a single layer, cooking until golden and cooked through—about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and tent with foil.

4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Sauté onions until translucent, 2–3 minutes, then add garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. If using mushrooms, add them now and cook until they release moisture and turn golden.

6. Deglaze the pan with wine or chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom; let it reduce by half.

7. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan and Italian seasoning; whisk until smooth and the sauce thickens—about 3–4 minutes.

8. Return the chicken to the skillet, along with any juices. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. If sauce is too thick, thin with reserved pasta water.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

10. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley or basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves 4.

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: approximately 35 minutes

Variations

• Add spinach: Stir in fresh baby spinach at the end until just wilted.

• Protein swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or turkey slices.

• Cheese twist: Use Romano or Asiago in place of Parmesan for sharper flavor.

• Mushroom medley: Combine cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms.

• Lighter option: Substitute half the cream with milk or unsweetened plant milk and add extra broth.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm gently in a skillet on medium-low, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce. If microwaving, I do short bursts and stir in liquid halfway to avoid separation.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead?

Yes—I cook the chicken, sauce, and veggies ahead and refrigerate them separately from the pasta. Before serving, I reheat the sauce gently, toss in freshly cooked pasta, and serve.

Will dried herbs work instead of fresh?

Absolutely—I use 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning if fresh isn’t available, adding it when the cream simmers to infuse flavor.

What’s the best pasta shape?

I prefer fettuccine or linguine for that classic creamy-pasta hug, but penne or rigatoni work beautifully too.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

I simmer slightly longer, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 Tbsp water) until it reaches my desired thickness.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes—I swap in gluten-free pasta and ensure that any broth is gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Decadent Chicken Pasta with a Lush Cream Sauce is my go-to for a meal that feels special but comes together quickly. I love its creamy, savory goodness and how satisfying it is on a cozy evening. It’s a dish I’m always excited to share with family or friends—and it never disappoints.

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