The Simple Chicken Pasta That Everyone Loves

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When you need a quick, delicious dinner that satisfies everyone at the table, this Simple Chicken Pasta is the answer. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor — yet made with basic ingredients and minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or any time you want something that tastes amazing without spending hours in the kitchen.

Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety sauce come together to make a dish that feels both cozy and effortless. It’s the kind of recipe people ask for again and again because it never disappoints.

2. Ingredients

This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a comforting and flavorful pasta dish.

Ingredients List

Chicken:

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced or cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Pasta + Sauce:

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Optional Add-Ons:

  • Fresh parsley or basil
  • Spinach or broccoli
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Extra Parmesan
  • Lemon zest

Key Ingredients

  • Chicken: Adds protein and flavor while cooking quickly.
  • Cream + Parmesan: Create the perfect creamy sauce.
  • Garlic: Brings warmth and depth to the dish.
  • Pasta: The base that absorbs all the rich, savory sauce.

Optional Add-Ons / Variations

  • Swap cream for Greek yogurt (lighter version)
  • Add spinach for extra greens
  • Add sun-dried tomatoes for richness
  • Use shrimp instead of chicken
  • Sprinkle chili flakes for heat

3. Step-By-Step Instructions

This recipe follows a simple pattern: cook pasta, season chicken, build sauce, combine everything.

Preparation Steps

  1. Slice or cube chicken evenly.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Chop garlic and prepare Parmesan.
  4. Boil water for pasta.

Cooking Steps

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; reserve ½ cup pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
  5. Add chicken broth and heavy cream; stir well.
  6. Add Parmesan and mix until sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan.
  8. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your chicken pasta with:

  • Fresh basil or parsley
  • Extra Parmesan
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Garlic bread
  • A simple side salad

Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or easy entertaining.

4. Tips, Substitutions & Notes

Pro Tips for Best Results

  • Don’t overcook the chicken — keep it juicy.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth sauce.
  • Save pasta water — it helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
  • Adjust creaminess by adding more or less broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Adding cream on high heat (may curdle)
  • Overcooking pasta — aim for al dente
  • Using powdered Parmesan (doesn’t melt well)
  • Skipping seasoning — pasta needs flavor!

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use coconut milk for dairy-free creaminess
  • Swap chicken for turkey or tofu
  • Replace cream with evaporated milk
  • Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta

Texture, Flavor, or Health Variations

  • Add spinach or kale for extra nutrients
  • Add mushrooms for umami flavor
  • Add a dash of lemon juice for brightness
  • Add roasted veggies for color and texture

5. Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
  • Sauce thickens as it chills — adjust when reheating.

Freezing

  • Freeze without pasta for up to 2 months.
  • Add fresh pasta when reheating for best texture.

Reheating

  • Reheat gently on the stovetop with added cream or broth.
  • Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
  • Add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce.

6. Nutrition (Optional)

(Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: ~380–460
  • Protein: ~28g
  • Carbs: ~35–45g
  • Fat: ~15–22g

7. Conclusion

This Simple Chicken Pasta truly is the dinner everyone loves — creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy. With tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s a recipe you can rely on for busy nights, family gatherings, or whenever you need a guaranteed delicious meal.

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