Quick and Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
This delicious pasta dish combines tender chicken with a creamy Parmesan sauce and a pop of flavor from cherry tomatoes. It’s perfect for beginners or busy individuals looking for a tasty, balanced meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
Pasta & Grains
- 8 oz Dried pasta (penne or fusilli) [225 g]
Meat
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes [450 g]
Produce
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved [150 g]
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil leaves roughly torn [10 g]
Dairy
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream [120 ml]
- 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan cheese [30 g]
Oils & Vinegars
- 2 Tablespoons Olive oil [30 ml]
Baking & Spices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook Pasta and Prepare Ingredients
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook Chicken and Make Sauce
- Add chicken cubes to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream and add halved cherry tomatoes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes start to soften.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
Combine and Serve
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in torn basil leaves.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
– For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
– Feel free to use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save even more time.
– This dish is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
– Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the colorful ingredients.
– Sprinkle some extra torn basil leaves on top for a fresh, green contrast.
– Add a small wedge of lemon on the side for those who enjoy a hint of citrus.
– Pair with a simple side salad of mixed greens for added nutrition and color on the plate.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. This will reduce the calorie content while maintaining a creamy texture.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency.
- For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated varieties.
Quick Tips
- To thicken the sauce, let it simmer for an extra 2-3 minutes before adding the pasta.
- For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the chicken and before adding the cream.
- To prevent the sauce from breaking, remove the pan from heat before stirring in the Parmesan cheese.
- For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breast meat.
- Toast the garlic in the oil before adding other ingredients for a more intense flavor.
Side Dish Suggestions
- Serve with a simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli complement the creamy pasta well.
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- For a low-carb option, serve over zucchini noodles or with a side of sautéed spinach.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken provides lean protein, essential for muscle maintenance and growth.
- Cherry tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
- Basil contains vitamins K and A, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Garlic may help boost the immune system and has potential cardiovascular benefits.
- When made with whole grain pasta, this dish provides additional fiber and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
- Portion sizes: Aim for about 1.5 cups per serving for a balanced meal.
- Garnish with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for visual appeal.
- Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the ingredients.
- Pair with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy flavors.
- Offer lemon wedges on the side for those who enjoy a hint of citrus.
Meal Prep Tips
- Cook the pasta ahead of time, toss with a bit of olive oil, and refrigerate. Reheat by briefly immersing in hot water before adding to the sauce.
- Cube the chicken and store in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking.
- Pre-measure and combine dry seasonings in a small container or zip-top bag.
- Wash and halve cherry tomatoes, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Mince garlic in advance and store in a small container with a drizzle of olive oil to preserve freshness.
Customization Ideas
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based chicken alternatives.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or serve over quinoa.
- Dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese.
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for heat.
- Seafood variation: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for a pescatarian option.
- Mediterranean twist: Add kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Fall flavors: Incorporate diced butternut squash and sage leaves for a seasonal variation.
