Best Creamy Chicken Pasta

Creamy Chicken and Pasta is the kind of weeknight dish that feels like a special treat while keeping things practical. It comes together in about half an hour and delivers that rich savory sauce with tender juicy chicken layered over perfectly cooked pasta. Ever since I whipped this up on a night when we desperately needed comfort food fast it has become my holy grail for simple but impressive dinners.

The first time I made this was purely out of what I had left in the fridge and now my family requests it almost every week. It always disappears faster than I can plate it.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: Butterflied chicken gives you quick and even searing Opt for organic or air-chilled for extra tenderness
• Salt and pepper: These basics ensure every bite is flavorful Use fresh ground pepper for more aroma
• Smoked paprika: Adds real depth and a hint of smokiness Spanish smoked paprika brings extra warmth
• Garlic powder: Gives uniform garlicky flavor Dried works when fresh cloves might overpower the delicate sauce
• Dried parsley: Brightens everything up and balances the richness Choose bright green flakes for freshness
• Chili flakes: Adds a gentle kick Use fresh red chili flakes to avoid bitterness
• Olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to chicken and provides moisture A good quality olive oil will boost flavor
• Butter: For both browning the chicken and starting the sauce Always go for unsalted to control salt levels
• Red bell pepper: Sweetens and adds a pop of color Look for firm shiny peppers without blemishes
• Garlic cloves: For the sauce choose fresh plump garlic for maximum aroma
• Heavy cream: This is the secret to the silky sauce Use the freshest cream you can find
• Flour slurry: Thickens the sauce Aim for a smooth mix for lump free results
• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brings freshness at the end Opt for flat leaf for better flavor
• Fusilli pasta: This shape hugs the sauce beautifully Cook until al dente for the perfect bite
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parm means more nutty flavor and creaminess Always avoid pre-shredded it does not melt as smoothly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Marinade:

Combine salt pepper smoked paprika garlic powder dried parsley and chili flakes with a drizzle of olive oil Then coat both sides of your butterflied chicken evenly Let it marinate for about ten minutes so the flavors really soak in

Sear the Chicken:

In a skillet over medium heat melt butter until foamy Gently add the marinated chicken Cook for four to five minutes on each side until deeply golden and cooked through Once done rest the chicken on a plate before slicing This keeps it juicy

Make the Pasta Sauce:

Use the same pan without wiping it to melt more butter Let it brown slightly before adding diced bell pepper and garlic Stir over gentle heat for several minutes until the peppers have softened and everything is fragrant These bits add tons of flavor

Thicken the Sauce:

Pour in heavy cream followed by the flour slurry Mix well over medium heat as the sauce thickens to a creamy texture Give it a few minutes to gently bubble

Season and Finish the Sauce:

Sprinkle in smoked paprika garlic powder chili flakes and the freshly chopped parsley Stir to blend and let the sauce simmer softly so the flavors meld together

Cook the Pasta:

Fill a pot with well salted water and bring to a boil Add the Fusilli and cook until just al dente Drain completely but reserve a splash of pasta water

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Toss the drained pasta directly into the creamy sauce Stir vigorously so every spiral is coated Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce feels too thick

Fold in Parmesan Cheese:

Add freshly grated Parmesan to the pan Stir until it melts and the sauce looks velvety and glossy

Serve and Top with Chicken:

Slice the rested chicken and lay it over your creamy pasta Sprinkle with extra parsley or more cheese for that finishing touch

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You Must Know

• Perfect for weeknight cooking yet fancy enough for company
• High in protein and provides a boost of calcium from the cream and cheese
• Leftovers warm up beautifully for lunch

One ingredient I always look forward to using is smoked paprika It brings this subtle woodsy warmth that really sets the dish apart from other creamy pastas. This recipe also reminds me of a cold night when my whole family crowded at the table and seconds were scooped before I could even sit down.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently on the stove to loosen the sauce. Freezing is possible but the cream sauce may separate a bit. If you do freeze stir well when reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Fusilli any short sturdy pasta like penne or rotini works fine. You can swap out the bell pepper for sautéed mushrooms or even baby spinach. For a lighter version half and half can replace the heavy cream but the sauce will be thinner. Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast if you prefer more richness.

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Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken pasta is wonderful with a fresh green salad and crusty bread to mop every last drop of sauce. I sometimes serve it with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a veggie boost. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and black pepper at the table is a must in our house.

Cultural Context

Creamy chicken and pasta is beloved across the US and echoes the comforting flavors of Italy with a distinctly American approach. Using easy to find grocery staples and batching it all up in one pan makes this a real-life home cook’s answer to restaurant style pasta dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Allow the chicken to rest after searing before slicing. Marinating and not overcooking both help keep the chicken moist.

→ Can I substitute another pasta shape?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti can be used instead of fusilli—just cook until al dente for best texture.

→ What can I use in place of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk with a splash of extra flour for thickening can work, though the sauce will be lighter.

→ How spicy is this dish?

A touch of chili flakes adds mild heat, but it can be adjusted to taste or omitted for less spice.

→ Can I prepare this ahead?

For best texture, cook the components ahead, then combine and reheat gently before serving to avoid drying out.

→ Is fresh parsley necessary?

Fresh parsley brightens the flavors, but dried parsley can be substituted or skipped depending on availability.