The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta Recipe

Craving a comfort meal that’s luscious, soul-hugging, and incredibly easy to whip up? Look no further than The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta! Every forkful explodes with velvety sauce, juicy chicken, and a pop of herby flavor, all cozied up with twirly fusilli. This is the weeknight dinner recipe you’ll reach for again and again—trust me, your family will beg for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity truly shines in The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta: every ingredient is handpicked to create crave-worthy flavor and irresistible texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component makes a difference in this showstopping dish.

• Chicken breast, butterflied: Thin and juicy, butterflying ensures quick, even cooking and tender slices.
• Salt & pepper: Simple essentials that highlight and balance all the flavors.
• Smoked paprika: Infuses both the chicken and sauce with subtle warmth and a smoky, savory edge.
• Garlic powder & fresh garlic: Double the flavor—powder for depth in the marinade, fresh garlic for boldness in the sauce.
• Dried parsley (+ fresh parsley): Dried boosts the marinade, while fresh parsley adds color and brightness at the finish.
• Chili flakes: Just enough gentle heat to make things interesting—add more or less to suit your spice level!
• Olive oil & butter: Olive oil tenderizes the chicken; butter creates rich, silky flavor and helps brown both meat and veggies.
• Onion: Diced sweet onion gives the sauce body and a savory backbone that’s simply delicious.
• Heavy cream: Lush, creamy, and the ultimate base for a dreamy pasta sauce.
• Flour + water (slurry): The secret to a sauce that’s thick and luscious, not runny!
• Fusilli pasta: Those fun spirals catch every glorious bit of creamy sauce.
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Melts into the sauce (and over the top!) for true Italian-inspired richness and salty tang.

Variations

The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta is endlessly adaptable! Don’t hesitate to make it your own—these creative swaps and additions can help you tailor the dish to everyone’s tastes, pantry, or dietary preferences.

• Swap the Protein: Use boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or try sliced turkey, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian spin.
• Make it Gluten Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap the flour for cornstarch in the slurry.
• Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for bursts of color and extra nutrients.
• Bump Up the Heat: Amp up the chili flakes or swirl in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste for spice lovers.

How to Make The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by seasoning your butterflied chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, and chili flakes. Drizzle with olive oil and let the chicken soak up all those flavors for about 10 minutes—the longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Sear your marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden crust forms and the meat is cooked through. Set aside and let it rest—the juices will redistribute and keep every slice tender!

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same pan (don’t wash it—those browned bits add mega flavor!), melt another 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing over medium heat until they’re soft and incredibly fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Thicken and Flavor

Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Combine flour with water to make a slurry and whisk it in—it’s the secret to a perfectly velvety sauce. Let the sauce simmer 2-3 minutes until noticeably thickened. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, and fresh parsley, stirring to blend those beautiful flavors.

Step 5: Cook and Combine the Pasta

While your sauce thickens, boil fusilli in a large pot of generously salted water until perfectly al dente, then drain. Toss the hot pasta into the sauce, folding to coat every spiral. Don’t forget to add the Parmesan—stir until it melts into creamy perfection!

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Slice the rested chicken into strips and lay them over the saucy pasta. Shower with extra fresh parsley and a dusting of more Parmesan if you love a cheesy finish—then dig in to The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta you’ve ever made!

How to Serve The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a shower of fresh parsley and a big palmful of extra Parmesan dusted right before serving. If you love a punch of color, a sprinkle of crushed chili flakes or even a little lemon zest is beautiful and brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta is hearty enough to shine solo, but a crisp green salad (think arugula, spinach, or mixed baby greens) and some warm, crusty garlic bread make it a truly spectacular meal. Consider steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for an extra veggie boost.

Creative Ways to Present

Twirl the pasta into individual bowls and lay artful slices of golden chicken breast over the top. For a showstopping dinner party dish, serve family style in a big shallow platter with parsley and Parmesan raining down. Or try making single-serving ramekins for a cozy bistro feel!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The pasta and chicken will continue to soak up the sauce, making the flavors even richer the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of pasta and chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. For best results, freeze before adding any extra garnishes—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

Reheating

Gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently for best texture—the sauce will return to creamy, dreamy perfection!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll treat yourself and your loved ones to The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta—there’s nothing like gathering around the table for a meal that feels homemade and special, but is easy enough for any night of the week. Give it a try and let the magic happen—your taste buds will thank you!

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