Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pasta
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of creamy chicken pasta after a long day. This recipe is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for weeknight dinners. The creamy sauce coats every bite of pasta, while the tender chicken adds a delicious protein boost. Whether you’re looking for a new favorite meal or just want to try something different, this dish from Patricia Universe will become a staple in your home!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pasta
- The Secret to the Perfect Creamy Sauce
- Choosing the Right Pasta for This Recipe
- How to Cook Chicken for the Best Flavor
- Customizing This Dish to Fit Your Taste
- Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- This creamy chicken pasta is a quick and easy recipe for busy weeknights.
- The rich, creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and pasta.
- You can customize the dish by adding veggies, changing the protein, or using different types of pasta.
The Secret to the Perfect Creamy Sauce
The key to a great creamy pasta sauce is balance. You want a sauce that is rich, but not overwhelming, creamy, but not too heavy. The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese in this recipe creates a smooth, luscious texture that clings perfectly to the pasta. Adding a bit of chicken broth helps to thin it out just enough, ensuring every bite is flavorful without being too thick.
Choosing the Right Pasta for This Recipe
While this creamy chicken pasta works well with almost any pasta shape, certain types pair better with the sauce. Penne and fettuccine are top choices because they hold onto the sauce beautifully. If you’re looking for something a bit different, try rigatoni or rotini to give the dish extra texture.
How to Cook Chicken for the Best Flavor
For juicy, flavorful chicken, it’s essential to season it well and cook it at the right temperature. Searing the chicken over medium-high heat locks in moisture and creates a golden-brown crust that enhances the overall taste of the dish. You can also use grilled chicken for an extra smoky depth of flavor.
Customizing This Dish to Fit Your Taste
This creamy chicken pasta is already packed with flavor, but it’s also versatile enough to adapt to your preferences. Want to make it healthier? Swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt. Prefer a bit of spice? Add red pepper flakes for a kick. You can also toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This delicious and easy creamy chicken pasta recipe from Patricia Universe is the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is sure to impress. Try it tonight and see why it’s one of the best comfort food recipes out there!
Creamy Chicken Pasta – dinner recipes
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup spinach (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Add Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and stir until cheese melts.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
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