Creamy Chicken Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pasta is a harmonious blend of hearty ingredients and rich flavors. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week. We feature tender short pasta, cooked chicken, and a medley of vibrant vegetables like mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and green peas. This recipe promises a symphony of textures and tastes.

The creamy sauce is the heart of this dish, crafted from whole milk, butter, cheese, and a hint of tomato paste, creating a luscious coating for the pasta. To elevate the flavors, we’ve added a perfect blend of spices including smoked paprika, dried basil, salt, and red chili pepper flakes. This Creamy Chicken Pasta is a surefire way to impress and satisfy.

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INGREDIENTS YOU NEED

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For the chicken: Cooking the chicken on your own has its benefits but if you’re short on time and would like dinner done more efficiently, rotisserie chicken could be the best way to go. Shred the chicken breast or thighs and set them aside while prepping the rest of the ingredients.

Short Pasta: Pasta with ridges are excellent for holding onto the sauce. Cook your pasta al dente, and make sure to add a little bit of olive oil to prevent them from sticking.

For the veggies: Dice and deseed one red bell pepper. Mince the garlic and chop the onion, then clean and slice the mushrooms. Slice the sun-dried tomatoes into thin slices and set aside the green peas until ready.

Spices: Combine garlic powder, dried basil, fine sea salt, smoked paprika, and red chili pepper flakes.

Sauce: Using whole milk or heavy cream gives this dish a more flavorful and creamy texture. Butter also enhances the flavor of the sauce, the tomato paste adds more savory flavor and a nice bright color. Consider adding a mix of cheeses, like Parmesan and mozzarella for a richer flavor.

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HOW TO MAKE CREAMY CHICKEN PASTA

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STEP BY STEP:

1. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, dried basil, salt, smoked paprika, and red chili pepper flakes.
2. Heat the pan with oil, add the butter, and stir to melt.
3. Add the onion, saute until tender, and add the garlic and spices. Continue sauteing until fragrant.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, mushrooms, bell pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, green peas, and cooked chicken. Constantly stir until well heated and then add the cream or milk. Add the cooked pasta and cheese, and stir until the cheese melts.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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WHAT TYPE OF PASTA WORKS BEST?

Short pasta varieties such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal for this dish. These shapes are excellent at holding onto the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta type, just make sure it’s cooked al dente to avoid mushiness.

CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF CHEESE INSTEAD OF PARMESAN AND MOZZARELLA?

Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses based on your preference. Cheddar, Gouda, or even Gruyere can add different flavor profiles. Just ensure the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy texture.

IS THERE SUBSTITUTE FOR SUN-DRIED TOMATOES?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes. While the flavor will be slightly different, the dish will still be delicious. Just saute the fresh tomatoes with the other vegetables until they are soft and slightly caramelized.

HOW DO I REHEAT LEFTOVERS WITHOUT DRYING OUT THE PASTA?

The best way to reheat creamy chicken pasta is on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pan before reheating to help retain the creamy texture. Stir frequently to ensure even heating. You can also use a microwave, but add a bit of liquid and cover the dish to prevent it from drying out.

CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE DAIRY-FREE?

To make a dairy-free version substitute the Parmesan and mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use coconut milk or almond milk for the creaminess, and ensure the other ingredients are also dairy-free. The flavor might differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!

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Creamy Chicken Pasta

Jen Paleracio

Pasta with chicken and creamy sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Equipment

• Wide pan
• Spatula
• Bowls
• Chopping board
• knife
• Serving platter

Ingredients

  

SPICES

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes

MAIN INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 6 Baby Bella mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
• 1 bell pepper, deseeded and diced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast, or use rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 8 oz. short pasta, cooked according to the package
• 1 cup cheese

Instructions

 

• In a bowl, combine all spices.
• Heat a wide pan over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add the butter and stir until melted.
• Saute onion and garlic, and then add the spices and continue sauteing until fragrant.
• Stir in the tomato paste, mushrooms, bell pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, cooked chicken, milk, cooked pasta, and cheese. Cook until well heated and the cheese is melted.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a side of garlic bread or mixed green salad.

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Keyword Asian chicken slaw recipe, comfort food, creamy, delicious, easy, family dinner, garlic, Italian, Parmesan, pasta, recipe, rotisserie chicken, sauce, weeknight meal

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