Creamy Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a rich, garlicky, and lemony creamy chicken pasta—comfort food at its finest!

Introduction: Why This Creamy Chicken Pasta Is a Must-Try

There’s something truly magical about a creamy chicken pasta dish. It’s the perfect balance between rich, savory flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing guests on the weekend, this recipe stands out for its simplicity, elegance, and flavor depth. With garlic, fresh rosemary, tangy lemon, and Parmesan cheese, each bite is a burst of deliciousness that feels both homey and gourmet.

Not only is it incredibly tasty, but it also comes together quickly—perfect for anyone who craves comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes. In this article, we’ll dive deep into every aspect of this recipe to make your cooking experience seamless and enjoyable.

 Ingredients (for 2 servings)

Here’s everything you’ll need, measured with US cup units where applicable:

• 200g dried pasta (about 2 cups; fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite pasta)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 6-8 ounces)

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped (about 1 tablespoon)

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, roughly chopped

• ¾ cup single or light cream (heavy cream works great too)

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 50g freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about ½ cup packed)

• Lemon zest and extra rosemary for garnish

 Preparation Time and Calories

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

• Calories: Approximately 760 kcal per serving

This recipe strikes a great balance between indulgence and portion control. It’s filling but not overly heavy, with creamy textures complemented by bright lemon notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Prepare the Creamy Chicken Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water generously — this is your chance to season the pasta from the inside out. Add the dried pasta and cook it until it’s just shy of al dente (about 1 minute less than the package recommends). This ensures the pasta has a slight bite and won’t overcook when tossed in the sauce later.

Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water — this starchy water will be a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, prep the chicken. To ensure even cooking, place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound it to about 1 to 1.5 cm thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Lightly dust the chicken with all-purpose flour; this will help create a slight crust and thicken the sauce later.

3. Pan-fry the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the chicken breast and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Depending on thickness, you may need a minute more per side.

Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a plate. Resting keeps juices locked inside for juicy, tender bites.

4. Make the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Add the fresh rosemary leaves and cook for another 30 seconds to release their aroma.

5. Add Cream and Cheese

Pour in ¾ cup single or light cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Don’t let it boil vigorously—just enough heat to meld the flavors.

Gradually add 50g freshly grated Parmesan cheese in 2-3 batches, stirring constantly until fully melted. This slow incorporation helps create a smooth, luscious sauce.

6. Season the Sauce

Stir in 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.

Add about ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to the sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes. The pasta water’s starch helps thicken the sauce and keeps it silky.

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing well to coat every strand. Allow it to gently simmer with the sauce for 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld and the pasta absorbs some of the sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

8. Serve

Slice the rested chicken breast into thin strips.

Plate the creamy pasta and lay the chicken slices on top. Garnish with freshly grated lemon zest and extra rosemary leaves for an aromatic and colorful finish.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

• Balanced flavors: The richness of cream and cheese is perfectly balanced by fresh lemon juice and aromatic rosemary, creating depth without heaviness.

• Simple but effective technique: Flattening the chicken ensures quick, even cooking, and using reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency is a classic chef’s trick.

• Versatile base: This recipe can be easily adapted with mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or your favorite veggies to suit your taste.

• Quick prep: From start to finish in just 25 minutes, this is an ideal weeknight meal.

 Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Don’t skip flattening the chicken: This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy without drying out.

• Simmer sauce gently: Keep the cream sauce on low heat to avoid curdling or separation.

• Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated Parmesan makes the sauce silky.

• Reserve pasta water: Always save some cooking water—it’s magic for adjusting sauce texture and binding pasta to sauce.

• Customize to your taste: Add sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or even a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.

• Serve immediately: Pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh for the perfect creamy texture.

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken pasta is wonderfully adaptable:

• Add vegetables: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini ribbons, or baby spinach in step 6 for more nutrients and color.

• Swap pasta: Use penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary preferences.

• Protein alternatives: Substitute chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein profile.

• Herb twists: Try basil, thyme, or oregano in place of rosemary for new flavor notes.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a warming kick.

Final Thoughts

This creamy chicken pasta recipe is a wonderful combination of comfort and elegance that anyone can prepare at home. It brings together simple ingredients with classic cooking techniques to create a dish that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Whether you’re cooking for two or scaling up for a larger group, this recipe is flexible, forgiving, and delicious every time.

Treat yourself to a bowl tonight and savor every creamy, garlicky, lemon-kissed bite!