If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels special but comes together easily, this creamy chicken pasta is exactly what you need. With tender, golden chicken and pasta coated in a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table fast — and keeps them asking for seconds.
This recipe is family-friendly, warm, and satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends when you want something hearty without extra effort.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Comfort food classic: Creamy, savory, and filling
- Simple ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items
- Quick to make: Ready in about 30 minutes
- Family-approved: Mild flavors that everyone enjoys
- Great leftovers: Reheats beautifully for lunch the next day
This dish balances rich flavor with an easy cooking method, so you get restaurant-style results right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 ounces pasta (short pasta or noodles)
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the cream and reduce heat to low. Let it gently simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips & Variations
- Extra creamy: Add an extra ¼ cup cream for a richer sauce
- Lighter option: Use whole milk with a teaspoon of cornstarch
- More flavor: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach
- Cheese swap: Mozzarella or mild cheddar work well
- Shortcut: Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken
Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta for Cozy Family Dinners
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A cozy, family-friendly creamy chicken pasta with tender seared chicken, garlic-parmesan cream sauce, and a fresh parsley finish. Ready fast and perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-size pieces
12 oz (340g) pasta (cavatappi, penne, rotini, or shells)
2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 cup (90g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup (60ml) reserved pasta water (as needed)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 6–8 minutes, turning until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic to the same skillet and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in cream and simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring.
6. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
7. Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick.
8. Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Top with parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, sear the chicken until nicely browned—those browned bits make the sauce taste amazing.
To lighten it up, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream (sauce will be slightly thinner).
Add-ins: spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms are great.
Leftovers: store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this creamy chicken pasta with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls make a great side for soaking up the sauce.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 |
| Protein | ~32g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45g |
| Fat | ~24g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~620mg |
Final Thoughts
This creamy chicken pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly comforting. It’s warm, filling, and easy enough for any night of the week — a recipe you’ll come back to again and again when comfort food cravings strike.