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There’s something deeply satisfying about a bowl of creamy chicken pasta. It’s comforting, rich without being over the top, and somehow both indulgent and familiar. When it’s done well — velvety sauce clinging to strands of perfectly cooked pasta, juicy pieces of tender chicken folded through — you can’t help but close your eyes with the first bite.

This chicken pasta recipe is made for weeknights when you need a bit of comfort, but it’s equally worthy of a spot on your table when guests are over. It uses simple ingredients, including high-quality organic chicken and a few pantry staples you likely already have.

If you’ve been craving something that’s easy to throw together yet feels a bit special, this is your sign to grab a pan and make it tonight.

PREP TIME

15 minutes

COOK TIME

25 minutes

TOTAL TIME

40 minutes

SERVING SIZE

4 people

Ingredients

A dish is only as good as the ingredients that go into it, and creamy chicken pasta is no exception. What makes this recipe so memorable isn’t a long list of hard-to-find items, but the way simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something rich, comforting, and genuinely satisfying.

The beauty of creamy chicken pasta is that it doesn’t require anything complicated, just fresh, high-quality ingredients that shine on their own.

  • 300g pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work well)
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat)
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 200ml double cream
  • 100ml chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 50g grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Each ingredient has a job to do, from the richness of the cream to the depth added by garlic and parmesan. Choose the best-quality chicken you can get your hands on, and don’t skip the lemon juice at the end. It makes all the difference.

Get ingredients from Rhug Estate

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, it’s worth making sure you have everything you need within reach. This recipe is straightforward, but having the right tools will make the process smooth, efficient, and a little more enjoyable.

No need for anything fancy — a few reliable tools will do the job beautifully:

  • Large pot (for boiling the pasta)
  • Deep frying pan or sauté pan (for the chicken and sauce)
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Sharp knife and chopping board
  • Measuring jug or cup
  • Wooden spoon

With these basics, you’ll be fully equipped to create a creamy chicken pasta that’s packed with flavour and ready in under an hour. And best of all, cleanup stays nice and easy.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Cook Creamy Chicken Pasta

Creamy chicken pasta is all about timing. Cook the pasta while the chicken is searing, then bring it all together in the creamy pasta sauce.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, usually 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions.

Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water. Set it aside. That starchy liquid will help loosen the sauce later without watering it down.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, slice your organic chicken breasts into bite-sized strips or chunks. Sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides.

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

If you’re using organic meats, you’ll notice the difference straight away — the aroma, the colour, and the way it cooks with no excess water released into the pan.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add a knob of butter. Toss in the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant (but not brown). Now pour in the chicken broth and use your spoon to deglaze the pan, scraping up any golden bits stuck to the bottom. That’s flavour you don’t want to miss.

Stir in the double cream and parmesan cheese, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently until it thickens slightly, forming a creamy sauce that coats the back of your spoon.

Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if it needs loosening.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring it into the creamy sauce so it’s well coated. Let it warm through for a minute or two. Toss in the cooked pasta and give everything a gentle stir until well combined.

Add lemon juice right at the end to brighten the flavours. It cuts through the richness beautifully without overpowering anything.

Step 5: Simmer and Serve

Let everything simmer together on low heat for a couple of minutes. The pasta will soak up the sauce, the chicken will stay juicy, and the whole thing will come together in one glorious pan of creamy chicken pasta.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or an extra shaving of parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)

This is based on a single portion of creamy chicken pasta, including sauce and parmesan (excluding sides):

  • Calories: 606
  • Protein: 42g
  • Fat: 36g (of which saturated: ~19g)
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fibre: 1.9g
  • Iron: 2.2mg
  • Vitamin B12: 0.7μg

Actual nutrition, calories, and other values may vary depending on the type of pasta, chicken cut, and cream used, but you can expect a hearty and protein-rich dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta

Even the simplest pasta and chicken recipes have room for improvement, and this one is no exception. A few thoughtful techniques can take your creamy chicken pasta from good to unforgettable, giving you that velvety texture, full-bodied flavour, and satisfying bite every single time.

  • Use organic free-range chicken whenever possible. The texture is firmer, the flavour more pronounced, and it pairs beautifully with a creamy sauce.
  • Don’t skip the pasta water. Just a splash can loosen the sauce without thinning it, helping everything cling together properly.
  • Cook pasta until just al dente. Overcooked pasta turns soft quickly in a warm sauce, so drain it with a slight bite still intact.
  • Keep the cream gentle. Simmer, don’t boil. It’s the secret to keeping the sauce luscious rather than grainy or split.
  • Taste before serving. Creamy sauces often need that final pinch of salt or grind of pepper to balance the richness.

Looking for a way to stretch this recipe into a second meal? Shredded leftovers from an organic whole chicken you’ve roasted earlier in the week make a wonderful substitution. It’s one of those clever swaps that adds depth while keeping prep time short.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta

Creamy chicken pasta can absolutely stand on its own, but with a few thoughtful additions, it turns into a meal that feels restaurant-worthy. Whether you’re keeping it casual or dressing it up, the right side dish or drink can elevate every bite.

  • Crusty sourdough bread is ideal for soaking up the last of the sauce. No one should let that go to waste.
  • A crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette offers freshness and contrast, balancing out the richness of the dish.
  • A chilled glass of white wine, especially something organic and dry, adds elegance without overpowering the flavours.

If you’re planning ahead, most chicken pasta recipes store beautifully. Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.

It’s the kind of dish that works for any occasion, cosy enough for a midweek treat, polished enough to serve to guests, and always comforting in a way only creamy pasta can be.

Creamy, Comforting, and So Worth It

There’s a reason creamy chicken pasta is a go-to favourite. It ticks all the right boxes — comforting, flavourful, and quick enough for midweek, yet special enough for company. With high-quality ingredients and a well-balanced creamy sauce, you’ll never need to search for chicken recipes again.

Try it with products you trust, such as organic chicken breast or organic whole chicken from reputable sources like Rhug Estate. Their commitment to quality, high animal welfare, and sustainability makes every bite that much better.

Are you ready to make dinner feel like something worth slowing down for? Whip up this creamy chicken pasta, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a meal that’s made with care. Don’t forget to review recipes on your go-to cooking platform to share what you loved or would tweak for next time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Cook and combine everything, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce without drying it out.

You can freeze it, but creamy sauces can sometimes separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, let it cool completely first. Reheat slowly over low heat while stirring, and consider adding a touch of fresh cream to revive the sauce’s smoothness.

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