You need a quick and easy dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste? This chicken pasta recipe is creamy, cheesy, and made in one pan. Less cleanup, more time to enjoy your meal.
I’ll walk you through every step, so you can whip up this dish without stress.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils you need to make this recipe.
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for cheese)
Important Info
- Servings: 4 plates
- Estimated Cost: You can make this recipe for about $12
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 520 kcal
- Cook Method: Stovetop
- Season: Any season
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diets: Not suitable for vegan, vegetarian, or dairy-free diets
Ingredients You Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, spaghetti, or any type you prefer)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | Butter or vegetable oil |
| Chicken breast | Chicken thighs |
| Heavy cream | Half-and-half or whole milk |
| Mozzarella cheese | Cheddar or Gouda |
| Parmesan cheese | Romano or Asiago |
| Fresh garlic | Garlic powder |
| Chicken broth | Vegetable broth or water with bouillon |
| Italian seasoning | A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme |
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the pasta and stir to combine. Cover and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a little more broth or milk to loosen it.
- You can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What to Serve with Chicken Pasta
- Garlic bread
- Side salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- A glass of white wine (for those who drink)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you have. Just adjust the cooking time based on the package instructions.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this without cheese?
Yes, but the texture will be different. You can replace cheese with a dairy-free alternative or just skip it for a lighter version.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a mix of milk and butter. Just note that the sauce will be less creamy.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or peas would go well with this pasta. Just sauté them with the chicken or stir them in at the end.
