Easy 30-Min Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe – Fast & Delicious

30-Minute Creamy Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe to satisfy those hungry tummies without spending hours in the kitchen. This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken, rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta to create an irresistible meal suitable for busy weeknights or weekend dinners. In this article, we’ll guide you through all the essentials from ingredients and equipment to simple instructions making it easy even for beginner cooks or parents to whip up a nutritious dinner in under half an hour.

This recipe focuses on simple, wholesome ingredients and straightforward steps, all while maintaining a creamy, comforting flavor that kids adore. Plus, it includes helpful tips, a detailed nutrition card, and answers to the top questions that families often have when preparing this popular dish. Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Required Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Grater for Parmesan cheese (if using block cheese)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8 to 10 minutes). When done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside but keep a little pasta water for the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté chicken and aromatics

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken pieces, season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the creamy sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent—about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken.

Step 4: Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta as well. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and if the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the creamy chicken pasta warm and enjoy!

Recipe Card

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition Card

• Calories: 450 per serving
• Sugar: 3g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Yields: 4 servings

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender.

What’s the best pasta to use for creamy chicken pasta?

Penne, rotini, fusilli, and farfalle are excellent choices as their shapes hold the creamy sauce well. However, any pasta you have on hand can work.

Is there a dairy-free or vegan alternative for the creamy sauce?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.

How can I make this recipe kid-friendly?

Keep the seasoning mild and avoid adding spicy ingredients. Using familiar pasta shapes and serving with veggies on the side can make it more appealing for kids.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

This creamy chicken pasta is best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.

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