Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

---

Description:

This Creamy Chicken Pasta is a comforting and rich dish that combines tender, pan-seared chicken with a silky, flavorful cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a perfect meal for dinner parties, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. The creamy sauce, flavored with garlic, parmesan, and a hint of lemon, makes this dish irresistible!

---

Ingredients: Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

• For the Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or more for cooking)
• For the Sauce:
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Pasta:
• 8 oz fettuccine, penne, or your favorite pasta
• Salt for pasta water

---

Instructions: Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

1. Prepare the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water (about 1/2 cup). Set aside.

1. Cook the Chicken:

• Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
• Once the chicken is rested, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

1. Make the Creamy Sauce:

• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and the cheese has melted, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in the lemon juice and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
• Add a little of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to be thinned out.

1. Serve:

• Divide the creamy pasta among plates. Top with the sliced chicken and garnish with chopped parsley.

---

Notes:

• Chicken Breast Substitute: You can use boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also add some sautéed spinach for added flavor.
• For Extra Creaminess: Add more heavy cream or a little cream cheese to make the sauce richer.
• Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese tends to clump and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Broth Substitute: If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

---

Tips: Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep an eye on it as it cooks so it’s perfectly al dente when you add it to the sauce.
• Make ahead: You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it when needed and toss it with fresh pasta and sauce.
• Save a bit of pasta water: The starchy pasta water can help thicken the sauce or adjust the consistency if it becomes too thick.

---

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this dish with a simple side salad (like a Caesar salad) or garlic bread.
• A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with this dish.

---

Nutritional Info (per serving, serves 4):

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Calcium: 250mg
• Iron: 2mg

---

Benefits:

• Protein-Rich: The chicken provides a healthy dose of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Calcium Boost: The parmesan cheese in the sauce helps with calcium intake, contributing to bone health.
• Energy: The carbs from the pasta give you the energy you need for a busy day, making this dish a great post-workout meal or hearty dinner.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil and butter provide healthy fats that are beneficial in moderation for heart health.

---

Q&A:

Q1: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

• Yes, you can use a dairy-free cream (like coconut cream) and skip the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Q2: How can I make this dish spicier?

• You can add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat, or use spicy paprika in place of regular paprika.

Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?

• Absolutely! Feel free to swap the pasta for any variety you like—penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta will work just fine.

Q4: What if I don’t have heavy cream?

• You can substitute with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich. You can also add a bit of cream cheese to thicken it up.

---

Enjoy this indulgent dish—it’s sure to become a favorite! Let me know if you need more info or have any questions!

Internal Link: https://cookandbakersworld.com/air-fryer-cheese-ham-toastie/