Creamy Chicken Pasta in Cream Cheese Sauce is easy to make weeknight pasta dish to impress your family or guests. With only 30 minutes of total work, this dinner recipe is simple, ultra-fast and delicious! It almost sounds too easy to be as good as it is. Juicy chicken, pasta in cream sauce! A simple meal that is flavor packed in no time, and everyone will be asking for seconds.
PROCESS
- Start by boiling salted water in a pot and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions, reserving some pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, season and sear the chicken breasts in a skillet until they’re golden brown and fully cooked, then set them aside to rest.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce. Mix in your cooked pasta and any reserved pasta water, allowing it to simmer together for a couple of minutes.
- Finally, slice the chicken, top the pasta with it, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!
Here’s what you are going to need to make it:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking.
Chili Flakes: Adds a nice kick.
Black Pepper: For flavor and heat.
Enhances the taste.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity.
Smoked Paprika: Gives a rich, smoky flavor.
Pasta: Choose your favorite type (spaghetti, penne, etc.).
Butter: For richness in the sauce.
Onion: Chopped; adds sweetness and depth.
Minced Garlic Cloves: For aromatic flavor.
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce creamy.
Chili Flakes: Adjust based on your spice preference.
Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor.
Salt: For seasoning.
Sugar: Balances acidity in the sauce.
Basil: Dried or fresh, for herbal notes.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness.
Pasta Water: As needed, to adjust sauce consistency.
Fresh Basil or Coriander: Adds freshness and color.
INGREDIENTS
Chicken Marinade:
- 2 Chicken Breast
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
Sauce:
- 200 grams Pasta
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 small Onion
- 4-5 Minced garlic
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 tsp Chili flakes
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Basil
- 2 tablespoon Cream cheese
- Pasta water-as required
- Garnish with fresh basil or coriander
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- In a medium-sized saucepot, boil water and salt it. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions. When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the pasta.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on the heat so the chicken doesn’t burn. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir, allowing it to simmer for a couple of minutes. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add Seasonings
- Next add all the mentioned seasoning and mix. If the sauce is too thick add a splash of pasta water.
Step 6: Add Cooked Pasta
- Next add your all you boiled pasta water and mix the sauce with pasta and simmer on low heat for 2 minutes on low heat.
Step 7: Final Touches and Serve
- Top it up with freshly chopped parsley.
- Add the seared chicken on top and serve hot and enjoy!!
Tips and Notes:
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into it to ensure there’s no pink inside.
- Reserve extra pasta water, as it can be a great way to adjust the sauce’s consistency as needed.
- For an even creamier sauce, consider adding a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
- If you have fresh herbs like basil or parsley, add them at the end for extra flavor and a fresh touch.
- If you have leftover sauce, it can be stored in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat gently and add a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen it up.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- The dish can be frozen, but the texture of the pasta may change. If you plan to freeze it, consider storing the pasta and sauce separately.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the garlic.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
