Luxurious Chicken Pasta in Creamy Sauce

I elevate tender chicken and pasta by enveloping them in a rich, velvety creamy sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs—a luxurious weekend dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish delivers comfort and elegance in one bowl. The luscious sauce clings to every bite of pasta and chicken, and the garlic‑Parmesan blend gives it an irresistible savory depth. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a special homecooked meal, I find it always delights.

Ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Olive oil or butter

• Minced garlic

• Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)

• Chicken broth

• Heavy cream or half‑and‑half

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Directions

1. I cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain and set aside.

2. I season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

3. I heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium‑high heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4–6 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, I reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds.

5. I stir in a pinch more Italian seasoning, then pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up any flavorful bits.

6. I pour in cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken slightly—about 3–4 minutes.

7. I whisk in grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and glossy.

8. I return the chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss everything to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.

9. I taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: around 30 minutes

Variations

• I swap chicken for shrimp or thinly sliced steak for a different protein.

• I add sautéed mushrooms, sun‑dried tomatoes, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.

• I stir in a splash of white wine when deglazing for more depth.

• I experiment with cheeses—like fontina, goat cheese, or Asiago—for different creamy profiles.

• I include crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle, spicy kick.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm the pasta and chicken together in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems thick. Unlike fried dishes, this reheats beautifully—no microwave needed.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead and reheat later?

I often meal prep it by cooking the sauce and chicken ahead, then storing separately from pasta. When ready, I warm everything together for the best texture.

What pasta shape works best?

I prefer penne or fettuccine because they capture the sauce nicely, but bowties, rigatoni, or shells work equally well.

How can I lighten the sauce?

I substitute half‑and‑half for cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly—keeping richness while lowering calories.

Can I freeze this dish?

I don’t recommend freezing—it separates slightly on thawing. I find it best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

I simmer gently on medium‑low and stir constantly after adding Parmesan. This keeps the sauce smooth and prevents cheese from clumping.

Conclusion

I find this Luxurious Chicken Pasta in Creamy Sauce to be the ultimate comfort-meets-elegance dish. It’s comforting, creamy, and endlessly customizable—perfect for any night I want restaurant-worthy flavor with minimal effort.

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