Get ready to experience pure comfort in a bowl with The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe). This dish is a weeknight hero with juicy, spice-kissed chicken, ribbons of fusilli pasta, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce that hugs every bite. It’s an absolute go-to of mine for those cozy nights when you crave something special yet totally fuss-free. Every ingredient does its part—herbs and spices for flavor, butter and Parmesan for creamy depth, all topped off with fresh parsley for a burst of color. It’s truly the dinner that makes everyone happy, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these approachable pantry staples and a few fresh favorites for a dish that’s both easy and unforgettable. Each ingredient has a simple but important role, building layers of flavor and making The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe) a tried-and-true winner.

Chicken breast: Butterfly a large breast for fast, even cooking and juicy, tender pieces in every forkful.
Salt & pepper: A must for seasoning the chicken and making all the other flavors pop.
Smoked paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a beautiful, subtle smokiness throughout the dish.
Garlic powder: For extra savory depth alongside the fresh garlic, doubling down on flavor.
Dried parsley: Infuses the marinade with herbaceous notes, complementing the fresh parsley.
Chili flakes: Just a touch brings a little kick and balances out the creaminess.
Olive oil: Helps the spices cling to the chicken and keeps it wonderfully moist.
Butter (for cooking): Adds richness when searing the chicken, creating gorgeous golden color.
Butter (for sauce): Swirls into the sauce for a silky base and irresistible flavor.
Onion: Diced fine, onion provides sweetness and a savory backbone to the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Eight whole cloves! They caramelize beautifully, giving depth and aroma.
Heavy cream: The stash of dreamy richness that makes the sauce so indulgent and luscious.
Flour slurry: Just a bit thickens the sauce impeccably without changing the creamy mouthfeel.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Brightens the end result, both visually and flavor-wise.
Fusilli pasta: The perfect shape for cradling all that sauce—every spiral soaks it up!
More smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes: Extra boosts for the sauce itself, mirroring the chicken seasoning for harmony.
Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Melts right in, thickening and flavoring the sauce with that classic, nutty finish.

How to Make The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe)

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by laying your butterflied chicken breast flat and generously seasoning with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, and that perfect pinch of chili flakes for heat. Drizzle with olive oil and give it a good rub, making sure every surface is coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes—this short marination builds all the bold, savory flavor into the chicken, while the olive oil keeps it succulent and helps the spices stick.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and lightly foaming. Add your marinated chicken and let it sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until beautifully golden and cooked through. The butter helps create a crave-worthy golden crust, while keeping the chicken tender. Once done, transfer to a plate and let it rest before slicing—this helps retain all those flavorful juices.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Using the same pan (no need to clean it—you want those tasty browned bits!), add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt and brown just a bit to deepen the flavor. Stir in the diced onion and all that minced garlic. Cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened and incredibly fragrant. The kitchen will smell amazing! Browning the butter first gives the sauce a slightly nutty backbone you’ll absolutely love.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, gently scraping up any caramelized goodness from the skillet. Whisk together your flour slurry (flour with just a touch of water) and pour it in, whisking well. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly—enough to coat the back of a spoon, but still wonderfully pourable and silky.

Step 5: Add Flavor

Spice things up by adding extra smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, and a handful of chopped fresh parsley right into the sauce. Stir to combine, and let the sauce bubble gently for another minute so all those incredible flavors meld together, filling your kitchen with extra coziness.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce simmers, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and toss in the fusilli pasta. Cook until just al dente—the noodles should be tender but still have that lovely bite. Drain well and set aside, ready for their creamy bath.

Step 7: Bring it Together

Add the cooked pasta straight into the pan of sauce, tossing gently to make sure every twist gets coated in that dreamy, garlicky cream. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir as it melts, thickening the sauce even more and adding that signature cheesy finish. Your kitchen is officially dinner heaven.

Step 8: Top with Chicken

Slice your rested chicken breast into strips (or bite-sized pieces) and nestle them over the pasta. Don’t forget to spoon a little pan sauce over the top. Finish with a shower of extra fresh parsley and a final grating of Parmesan. This last step makes The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe) look as incredible as it tastes!

How to Serve The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe)

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan are the gold standard here, adding both color and extra punches of flavor. You could also scatter a pinch of chili flakes for some extra heat or a touch of lemon zest for brightness. These little finishing touches turn a comforting dinner into a restaurant-worthy plate.

Side Dishes

I love serving The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe) with something fresh and crisp on the side—a simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or some steamed green beans. Garlic bread or warm ciabatta are wonderful for scooping up every bit of that luscious sauce, ensuring not a drop is left behind!

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family dinner, serve the pasta straight from the pan, garnished generously at the table. If you’re going for a fancier vibe, twirl the creamy fusilli on individual plates, topping each with sliced chicken and a flourish of parsley. You can even portion into ramekins for a comforting, casserole-style twist or nestle on a platter for family-style sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe) keeps surprisingly well! Let any extras cool fully before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, where the flavors will actually deepen and marry beautifully.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze portions of this dish for future cravings. Spoon into freezer-safe containers, ideally in single servings, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—just note that the sauce may thicken slightly, but a splash of cream or milk brings it right back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your pasta and chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. You can microwave it, but stirring every 30 seconds helps prevent the sauce from separating. Top with fresh parsley and Parmesan to refresh those flavors, and it’s almost as good as new!

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While fusilli is my favorite for soaking up all the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or any short, ridged pasta will work wonderfully in The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe).

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

You can substitute part of the heavy cream with half-and-half or a splash of milk. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be silky and satisfying!

Can I swap the chicken for another protein?

Yes! Sautéed shrimp, sliced turkey, or even some crispy bacon would be delicious substitutions. The seasonings are flexible, so feel free to get creative with what you have.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

Just add a splash of reserved pasta water, milk, or a bit more cream to loosen things up. Stir over gentle heat until you get that dreamy, pourable consistency back.

Can I prep any parts ahead of time?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables a day ahead. Cook the pasta and make the sauce just before serving for the freshest results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a big, warm hug, look no further than The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe). I truly hope you’ll give it a try soon—one taste, and it might just earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation!

The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe) Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy chicken and pasta recipe. Tender marinated chicken served over perfectly cooked fusilli pasta, all smothered in a rich and flavorful creamy sauce. This easy-to-make dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Season the butterflied chicken breast with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, and chili flakes. Drizzle with olive oil and let it marinate for 10 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside to rest before slicing.
Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the flour slurry. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Add Flavor: Mix in smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, and parsley. Stir well and let the sauce bubble gently.
Cook the Pasta: Cook Fusilli Pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Bring it Together: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
Top with Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken and place it over the pasta. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite herbs and spices.
Adjust the level of chili flakes to suit your spice preference.
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 48g
Saturated Fat: 26g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Pasta, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Creamy Pasta Dish