Creamy Chicken Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
526 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Creamy Chicken Pasta
Description
Creamy Chicken Pasta starts with chicken breast slices seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, dusted with flour to develop a light crust during searing. The chicken is cooked until a golden crust forms, then rested to retain juiciness. The sauce is prepared by melting butter and adding garlic, then creating a roux with flour before whisking in a mixture of half and half, chicken broth, white wine, and several dried seasonings including onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley, and smoked paprika.
Once the sauce thickens, grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses are folded in, adding savory depth and creaminess. The pasta is cooked separately and combined with the sauce, with reserved pasta water optionally used to adjust consistency. This process yields a smooth, velvety sauce coating the pasta and chicken.
This dish serves as a full meal, rich in flavor and texture, suitable for lunch or dinner. Optional enhancements like roasted vegetables, mushrooms, or a crispy breadcrumb topping can be added. The sauce stores well, making it convenient for leftovers, which can be reheated gently with additional pasta water or broth to restore the creamy texture.
Using freshly grated cheese helps maintain sauce smoothness. Sauvignon Blanc is preferred for the wine, but substitutions can be made. Proper resting of the chicken after searing ensures tenderness. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers and thaw frozen portions overnight before reheating.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 chicken breast large, boneless skinless
- salt
- black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup flour
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Pasta/Sauce
- ½ cup white wine see notes, dry
- 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
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon onion powder all dried seasonings
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Prep Work
- 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.
Season/Sear the Chicken
- 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.)
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until a golden crust develops, 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside and let rest for 10 minutes, then cut into strips.
Make the Sauce
- Start boiling water for the pasta.
- Add the wine to the skillet and then set the heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to clean the bottom and sides of the skillet, the “fond” will add more flavor to the sauce. Bring to a gentle bubble and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the butter and garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Add the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes, until the raw flour smell is cooked off.
- Add the chicken broth/half and half mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously. Do this slowly to keep the roux intact and to maintain a thick consistency.
- Stir in the ½ chicken bouillon cube. Bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low and cover partially.
Boil the Pasta
- 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.
Finish the Dish
- Gradually sprinkle the cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously.
- Add the pasta and use a silicone spatula to gently toss to incorporate. Add the cooked chicken along with any juices from the plate and toss to combine.
- If desired, add pasta water, small splashes at a time, and gently toss until desired consistency is reached. (This can be very helpful when reheating leftovers as well, it smooths the sauce back out.)
- Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon over the pasta prior to serving. (This is a must for our family!) Garnish with parsley and serve!
Notes
- Sauvignon Blanc wine works best; Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio are good alternatives; chicken broth can substitute if wine is omitted.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses for better melting and flavor.
- Adding reserved pasta water while reheating leftovers helps maintain a smooth sauce consistency.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months; thaw frozen sauce overnight before reheating.
- Optional ingredients like sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables can be added to the sauce for variation.
- Toast panko breadcrumbs with melted butter separately for a crunchy topping if desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 526 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 526kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 54g | 18% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 80mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 810mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 554mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 447IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 16mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 290mg | 29% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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