Creamy Chicken Pasta

When it comes to Creamy Chicken Pasta, this recipe truly delivers. Imagine penne pasta combined with a rich, creamy sauce, a touch of tomato paste, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes—this dish is absolutely incredible.

In this recipe, we’ll share the best method for cooking tender, juicy chicken breast. This creamy chicken pasta recipe is anything but ordinary; it’s incredibly flavorful. Chicken breast is a commonly preferred protein in many households, and discovering new ways to enjoy it is essential for keeping meals exciting and invigorating.

Ingredients

Chicken breast, Garlic Cloves, Onion, Tomato Paste, Fresh Cream, Penne Pasta, Balsamic Vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Paprika powder, and Butter.

Chicken breast is a great choice for this recipe, but you can also use deboned chicken thighs if you prefer. Adding garlic cloves and onion brings a subtle sweetness to the dish, while tomato paste contributes a rich tomato flavor. Penne pasta pairs well with the cubed chicken breast, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand. You can opt for fresh cream or heavy cream; just keep in mind that fresh cream is slightly thinner and lower in fat than heavy cream. Balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce enhance the overall flavors of the creamy chicken pasta. To add a bit of heat, sprinkle in paprika powder. Butter will also enhance the chicken’s flavor; it’s best to use salted butter. If you choose unsalted butter for the shallow-poaching step, make sure to add a little extra butter and a pinch of salt for added taste.

Instructions

Rinse the chicken breasts and cut them into half-inch cubes. In a pot, add 1 inch of water with some butter, then shallow-poach the chicken for 5 minutes. This method will help ensure the chicken is tender and soft.

The chicken is fully cooked when it changes color from pink to white. If you are using the shallow poaching method, be sure to reserve some of the cooking liquid that remains in the pot. Add butter to a grill pan and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown. You can skip the shallow poaching step if you want a quick meal.

Start by cleaning the garlic cloves, then slice and dice the onions. Add these aromatics to the pot containing the reserved chicken liquid, which should still contain some butter. Sauté the onions and garlic until they are golden brown. Next, stir in the tomato paste. At this point, begin cooking the pasta; it should take about 8 minutes to reach al dente. Be sure to reserve some pasta water for the final step.

Add Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and paprika powder. Mix well. Pour in about three tablespoons of water, and then add the cream.

Mix well, then simmer for 2 minutes. Add the chicken breasts. Mix again. Add the pasta with three tablespoons of pasta water. This will loosen up the sauce and give it a smooth texture.

Slice the sun-dried tomatoes and finely chop parsley. Grate parmesan cheese and add it to the pasta. Garnish and serve.

The dish is ready to be enjoyed and served to your loved ones. This creamy chicken pasta is one of the easiest and most delicious recipes to savor on busy weekends or weeknights.

If you enjoy chicken breast frequently, consider shallow-poaching a large batch and storing it in the fridge. This way, you can easily incorporate it into various chicken pasta recipes throughout the week.

What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Pasta?

There are many options for enjoying creamy chicken pasta, such as roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, and zucchini. Salads also pair well with this pasta dish. Consider a vegetarian Caesar salad, a Caprese salad, or a Rocket and red pepper salad, as it will also match the flavour of creamy chicken pasta well. Garlic bread will also pair well with this pasta recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Chicken Pasta?

Cool down the creamy chicken pasta before storing it in the fridge. Store the food in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. You can freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. Keep in mind that the creamy sauce can separate when frozen, and it may not be as smooth as the original when reheated. To reheat, use the stovetop; it’s the best method to preserve the authentic taste. Place the pasta in a pan and reheat it on medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon of milk to prevent the sauce from drying out. Stir gently to heat the food evenly. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave, add 1 tablespoon of milk, and toss to coat.

Expert tips

We prefer to use penne pasta. However, you can use other pastas such as Tagliatelle, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Cook the pasta just shy of one minute, as it will continue to cook for two more minutes in the creamy sauce. Adding pasta water to the sauce will make it glossy and smooth. Pasta water also acts as a binding agent, making the sauce cling to the pasta. This step makes every bite of the pasta flavourful and delicious. The best option for this recipe is boneless and skinless chicken breast. However, chicken thighs also work. Searing the chicken before adding the sauce will enhance the overall flavour. Adding butter or Parmesan cheese increases the creaminess and gives the creamy chicken pasta a velvety finish.

Can you use Milk instead of Cream in pasta?

You can use milk instead of cream to make creamy chicken pasta, but there are a few things to consider. The sauce’s texture and richness will be lighter than using cream, as cream contains a higher fat content. However, you can make the sauce thicker by combining milk with a roux of flour, butter, and cornstarch, along with a cold water mixture. The subtle sweetness and richness of the cream make the sauce more indulgent than one made with milk. If you use milk to make the creamy chicken pasta, add butter or Parmesan cheese to intensify the creaminess and flavour.

What makes the Creamy Chicken Pasta creamier?

Using heavy cream, fresh cream, or whipping cream will make the creamy chicken pasta creamier. This is due to the high-fat content, around 36-40%, which makes the sauce richer and smoother. If you want a less fatty option for heavy cream, use 100 ml of cream and 50 ml of milk to make the sauce; it is also a good choice for a light, creamy sauce. Using butter is also a great way to make the sauce silky and smooth without compromising the dish’s flavour.

You can use Parmesan, mozzarella, or cream cheese to thicken and cream the sauce. Mascarpone cheese can also thicken the sauce and add an additional layer of tanginess. Starchy pasta water can be added to thicken the sauce without increasing the fat content. Make sure to save some pasta water before draining it. Avoid overcooking the pasta; it will release too much starch, making the overall dish sludgy and less smooth. Make sure to slow-cook the sauce and simmer it on low heat to prevent it from separating and curdling. Add cheese or butter to enhance the sauce’s creaminess and add depth to the dish.  Avoid adding too much liquid at once to cook the sauce. If the sauce is dry or too thick, gradually add more liquid. Make sure to serve immediately before the sauce begins to cool down.