The Best Easy Creamy Chicken Breast Pasta (Family Favorite!)

Some of my favorite meals have come from last-minute kitchen experiments.
One evening after a long day, I opened my fridge to find a single chicken breast, half a lemon, and some leftover pasta from the night before. Honestly, I almost gave in to ordering takeout.
But instead, I pulled together this creamy chicken pasta — and it turned out to be the coziest, most comforting dinner.
It reminded me that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something special. You just need a little creativity, and maybe a splash of cream. 😉

Now, this recipe is one of my go-to meals when life is busy and bellies are hungry. Simple, budget-friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 25 minutes.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves creamy pasta!
• Budget-Conscious: Everyday ingredients you probably already have.
• Flexible: Add veggies, swap herbs, or use leftover chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 200g dried pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work great)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (or two if you want extra protein)
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for a golden crust)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ¾ cup light cream (or heavy cream if you want it extra rich)
• 50g freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh rosemary (or swap with thyme or parsley)
• Optional: lemon zest, for extra brightness

Add-Ins If You’re Feeling Fancy:

• Sautéed mushrooms
• Steamed broccoli or zucchini
• Handful of spinach stirred in at the end
• Crispy bacon bits

How to Make It:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Flatten your chicken breast to even thickness (about 1–1.5 cm) using a rolling pin or the palm of your hand.
• Season generously with salt and pepper. Optional: Lightly dust both sides with flour for a crispy finish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

• Boil pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Pan-Fry the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook chicken for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through.
• Remove from the pan and loosely cover with foil to rest.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

• In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.
• Melt the butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds — don’t let it brown).
• Stir in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer (never boil it!).
• Gradually add parmesan cheese in batches, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

• Stir in lemon juice, black pepper, and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Add the cooked pasta, tossing gently to coat it in the creamy goodness.
• Slice the rested chicken and either toss it through the pasta or serve it over the top.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

• Top with fresh rosemary, extra parmesan, and a little lemon zest if you like a bright finish.

Top Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta:

• Flatten the chicken: Ensures even cooking and super juicy results.
• Don’t boil the cream: Keep it at a gentle simmer for a silky sauce.
• Save pasta water: It’s your secret weapon for adjusting sauce thickness.
• Salt the pasta water generously: It’s your one chance to flavor the pasta itself.

Why This Pasta Will Be Your New Favorite

There’s just something about creamy chicken pasta that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s cozy without being heavy, fancy without being fussy.
Perfect for busy weeknights, casual weekends, or even impressing surprise guests — with ingredients you probably already have tucked away.

This is the kind of recipe that saves the day (and your grocery budget), one delicious bite at a time.

Final Thoughts

Creamy chicken pasta doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive to feel special.
With a few simple ingredients, a little patience, and a whole lotta love, you can turn an ordinary dinner into a cozy celebration.
Save this recipe for the nights when you need comfort on a plate — fast, affordable, and crazy delicious.

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