Creamy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt/pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup flour
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine
see notes
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic
minced
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 ¼ cups half and half)
(half light cream, half milk
- ¾ cups chicken broth
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
grated
- 1/3 cup Romano cheese
grated, see notes
- ½ lb. pasta
any kind
- 1 cup pasta water
optional
- 1 lemon
optional
- ½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder
garlic salt, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley, all dried seasonings
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
Directions
- 1
Combine the half and half, chicken broth, and seasonings in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients before beginning. Place a measuring cup in the colander that you’ll use to drain the pasta so that you remember to reserve some pasta water when that step arrives.
- 2
Slice the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2-4 thinner slices. Place plastic wrap over the chicken and pound each side to about 1-inch thick, it will plump up more when cooked. Pat each side dry. Season with salt/pepper and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle each side of the chicken with flour and rub it over the surface. (This gives it a little texture and prevents it from sticking to the skillet.)
- 3
Start boiling water for the pasta.
- 4
Salt the boiling water and add the pasta. Cook until no more than al dente. Set a timer to avoid overcooking. Stir occasionally as it cooks. Drain once cooked and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- 5
Gradually sprinkle the cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously.
Creamy Chicken Pasta
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 83 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, flavor-packed meal that feels special but comes together easily? This Creamy Chicken Pasta delivers just that, offering a satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week.
Why This Recipe Works
What truly sets this Creamy Chicken Pasta apart is its incredibly flavorful sauce. With a blend of two cheeses—Parmesan and Romano—alongside savory chicken broth, half and half, and a thoughtful array of dried seasonings like onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, and basil, you're building layers of deep, rich taste. The initial searing of chicken seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper ensures juicy, tender pieces that perfectly complement the luxurious cream sauce.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly indulgent experience. You'll enjoy tender, succulent chicken pieces enveloped in a velvety, rich cream sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of your chosen pasta. The combination of Parmesan and Romano cheeses provides a nuanced, savory depth, while a hint of smoked paprika adds a subtle warmth. This dish is designed to be deeply satisfying and wonderfully comforting, a true treat for the senses without being overly complicated. It's the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table.
Customization & Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it by adding your favorite vegetables; consider spinach, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes for extra freshness and color. Feel free to use any kind of pasta you have on hand, from classic spaghetti to sturdy penne or rigatoni. While a dry white wine adds a wonderful layer of complexity, if you prefer not to use it, extra chicken broth can often be a suitable substitute. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness beautifully.
Serving & Context
This Creamy Chicken Pasta is a wonderful choice for a family dinner or a cozy meal with friends. Serve it simply as is, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious, flavorful sauce.