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Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 16 reviews

This creamy chicken pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breast, a rich garlic and herb-infused sauce made with half and half, white wine, and Parmesan and Romano cheeses. Cooked pasta is tossed in the creamy sauce and combined with juicy strips of chicken for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons 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

Pasta and Seasonings

  • ½ lb. pasta (any kind)
  • 1 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
  • ½ teaspoon each: onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley (all dried)
  • 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 lemon (optional, for squeezing over finished dish)

Instructions

  1. Prep Work: Combine the half and half, chicken broth, and all dried seasonings (onion powder, garlic salt, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley, smoked paprika) in a large measuring cup with a spout. Set aside. Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting. Place a measuring cup in the colander to reserve pasta water when draining.
  2. Season and Sear the Chicken: Slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 2-4 thinner slices. Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound each slice to about 1-inch thick, then pat dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sprinkle flour on both sides and rub it in. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken slices until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes. After resting, cut chicken into strips.
  3. Make the Sauce: Start boiling water for the pasta. Add white wine to the skillet used for chicken and set heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape fond from the bottom and sides of the skillet. Let the wine reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes. Add butter and minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook continuously for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  4. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Slowly whisk in the half and half and chicken broth mixture in small splashes, stirring constantly to keep the roux smooth. Stir in ½ chicken bouillon cube and bring the sauce to a gentle bubble. Reduce heat to low and partially cover to simmer.
  5. Cook the Pasta: Salt the boiling water generously and add the pasta. Cook until just al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
  6. Finish the Dish: Gradually add grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses to the sauce, stirring continuously until melted and incorporated. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss with a silicone spatula to combine with the sauce. Add the cooked chicken strips along with any accumulated juices and toss together.
  7. Adjust Consistency and Serve: If needed, add reserved pasta water in small amounts to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta before serving for brightness. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Using dry white wine creates depth in the sauce; if avoiding alcohol, substitute with additional chicken broth or white grape juice.
  • Romano cheese adds a sharper flavor; Parmesan can be used alone if preferred.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce adhere to pasta.
  • Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and tender meat.
  • Do not overcook pasta to maintain texture when mixed with sauce.
  • Lemon juice brightens the heavy cream sauce and balances flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, chicken pasta recipe, easy chicken pasta, garlic cream sauce, Italian pasta dish

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/creamy-chicken-pasta-recipe/