Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re after a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that impresses every single time, look no further than this Chicken Pasta. Creamy, garlicky sauce clings to perfectly cooked bites of chicken, bursts of juicy tomatoes, and ribbons of wilted spinach, all tucked around twirls of pasta. It’s a 30-minute wonder you’ll turn to again and again when cravings hit for something both comforting and just a little bit special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a starring role in elevating the rich taste and bright colors of this Chicken Pasta, coming together harmoniously for a dish that feels both easy and elegant. These are simple staples you may already have on hand, but don’t overlook the magic they create together.
- 12 oz penne or pasta of choice: The base of the dish; choose your favorite shape for perfect sauce-grabbing power.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds wonderful depth and helps everything sauté to golden perfection.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces): Provides lean protein and substance, making this meal hearty.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Instantly brings in classic herby flavors that taste like a trip to the Mediterranean.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and sharpening all the flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with an irresistible, savory aroma.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Bursts of sweet-tart juiciness scattered throughout.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds a pop of green and delicate earthiness without overpowering the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that luxuriously silky sauce that hugs every noodle.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty layer of richness.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Just a hint of heat to wake up your palate, if you like.
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water: Helps loosen and emulsify the sauce for glossy results.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: A fresh, vibrant finishing touch that makes it restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta and cook until just al dente. Right before draining, scoop out ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water—this will be a valuable tool for your sauce later. Drain and set aside. This step ensures your Chicken Pasta starts with perfectly cooked noodles that won’t get mushy later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a big skillet, heat olive oil over medium. While it warms up, season your chicken pieces with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once ready, add the chicken and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until each piece is browned and cooked through. This part is essential for locking in those savory flavors in every bite.
Step 3: Flavor with Garlic and Tomatoes
Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for a minute—just until it’s fragrant and making your kitchen smell amazing. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook for a few minutes so they start releasing their juices, becoming jammy and sweet.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Add fresh spinach directly into the skillet. Stir and let the heat work its magic until the leaves wilt down quickly, melting beautifully into the rest of the filling. This not only adds color, but sneaks extra greens into your comforting Chicken Pasta.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat, then pour in that velvety heavy cream followed by the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently, watching as the sauce turns creamy and perfectly coats the chicken and vegetables. If it feels a little thick, splash in some of your reserved pasta water until the consistency is just right.
Step 6: Toss Everything Together
Add the cooked pasta right into the skillet and toss everything together so every piece is coated in that dreamy sauce. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bold finish. Top with your chopped parsley, and you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
Don’t skip on finishing touches! Sprinkle plenty of fresh chopped parsley over the top, and if you have a bit more Parmesan to grate, go wild. Even a tiny drizzle of good olive oil can make each forkful of Chicken Pasta taste extra luxurious.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside crisp salads—think arugula or Caesar—for a fresh balance. A hunk of warm garlic bread or focaccia is also heavenly, perfect for wiping up that creamy sauce and rounding out your meal in true Italian-American fashion.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, try plating Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls, adding a swirl of sauce on top, and finishing with a big basil leaf for drama. Pack leftovers into jars for grab-and-go lunches, or layer with grilled veggies for a colorful twist at your next get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extra Chicken Pasta can be cooled to room temperature and transferred to an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely for up to three days in the fridge, making next-day lunches fabulously easy and just as tasty.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a future craving, pop individual portions of Chicken Pasta into freezer-safe containers. The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but a quick stir during reheating will bring it back together. Freeze for up to 2 months for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps everything creamy and prevents drying out, so your second (or third!) serving tastes just as good as the first.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne is classic, but any short pasta—like rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli—works beautifully to soak up the sauce. Even spaghetti or fettuccine can bring fun new textures to this Chicken Pasta dish.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream and cheese?
You can easily swap the heavy cream for full-fat canned coconut milk or an unsweetened plant-based cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The finished Chicken Pasta will still be rich and satisfying without the dairy.
What’s the best way to make this recipe lighter?
For a lighter take, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese, or try adding extra spinach and tomatoes for more veggies with less sauce. This keeps the Chicken Pasta flavorful but a bit less rich.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers go well in Chicken Pasta and add even more color and nutrition. Sauté them with the chicken or tomatoes to build extra layers of flavor.
How do I keep the chicken tender?
The secret is not to overcook it. Cut chicken into even-sized pieces and watch it closely as it cooks—once it’s no longer pink and just starts to brown, remove it from heat as soon as possible to keep your Chicken Pasta juicy and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Pasta is the kind of crave-worthy comfort food that never lets you down—from busy weeknights to relaxing Sunday suppers. Grab your favorite pasta and give it a try; I promise you’ll love every creamy, flavorful bite!
Print
Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and creamy chicken pasta recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a comforting meal. This one-pan dinner is packed with flavor from tender chicken, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, then reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook the chicken: Season and cook the chicken in olive oil until browned and cooked through.
- Make the sauce: Add garlic, tomatoes, spinach, cream, and Parmesan to the skillet. Stir until creamy.
- Combine: Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved water if needed. Season and garnish before serving.
Notes
- You can swap spinach for kale or arugula, and use grilled chicken or rotisserie for quicker prep.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
