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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.

This creamy chicken pasta recipe is far from ordinary; it’s incredibly flavorful. Chicken breast is a commonly preferred protein in many households, so finding new ways to enjoy it is essential for keeping meals exciting and fresh.

Ingredients

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

Chicken breast is great for this recipe, but deboned chicken thighs can be used based on preference. Garlic cloves and onions add a subtle sweetness, while tomato paste enriches the flavor. Penne pasta works well, but any pasta can be substituted. Choose between fresh cream or heavy cream; fresh cream is thinner and has less fat. Balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce enhance the flavor, and a sprinkle of paprika adds heat. Using salted butter is recommended, but if using unsalted, add extra butter and a pinch of salt for taste.

Instructions

Begin by rinsing the chicken breasts and cutting them into half-inch cubes. In a pot, add one inch of water along with a small amount of butter, and proceed to shallow-poach the chicken for five minutes.

The chicken is fully cooked when it turns from pink to white. If using shallow poaching, reserve some cooking liquid. In a grill pan, add butter and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown.

Clean the garlic cloves and dice the onions. Add them to the pot with reserved chicken liquid and butter, then sauté until golden brown. Stir in the tomato paste. Cook the pasta for about 8 mins until al dente, reserving some pasta water for later.

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.

This creamy chicken pasta is a quick and delicious dish to enjoy with loved ones on busy nights. If you often use chicken breast, try shallow-poaching a large batch to store in the fridge for easy use in various 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 the creamy chicken pasta before refrigerating in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. It can be frozen for 2 to 3 months, but the sauce may separate. To reheat, use the stovetop on medium-low heat with a tablespoon of milk to keep the sauce smooth.

Expert tips

We prefer penne pasta, but other types like tagliatelle, fettuccine, or rigatoni work as well. Cook the pasta just under one minute since it will continue to cook in the sauce. Adding pasta water will make the sauce glossy and help it cling to the pasta, enhancing its flavor. For the best result, use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, and sear the chicken to boost flavor. Adding butter or Parmesan cheese increases creaminess for a velvety finish.