Get ready to fall in love with The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe) – a dreamy combination of golden, juicy chicken breast, perfectly al dente fusilli pasta, and the most luscious, garlicky cream sauce you’ve ever tasted. Each twirl of pasta delivers silky richness and just a whisper of heat, while the tender chicken nestles on top for that perfect restaurant-but-at-home vibe. This is the ultimate comfort dish when you’re craving something fast yet utterly satisfying, and you won’t believe how simple it is from start to finish!

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of fuss-free ingredients to bring The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe) to life – every single one has a job to do, from infusing the sauce with subtle heat to building rich, silky flavor. Let’s walk through this flavor parade:

Chicken breast (1 large, butterflied): Super juicy when seared, it soaks up every bit of seasoning for maximum flavor in every bite.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing out all the other flavors in the dish.
Smoked paprika (2 tsp total): Adds deep savory notes with just enough warmth for interest.
Garlic powder (2 tsp total): Layers a mellow, aromatic undertone that complements the fresh garlic.
Dried parsley (1 tsp): Adds freshness and color to the marinade for the chicken.
Chili flakes (1/2 tsp total): Brings a gentle, whispering heat that makes each bite pop–don’t skip unless you’re very spice-averse.
Olive oil (1/2 tbsp): Locks in moisture and helps the seasonings stick to the chicken.
Butter (3 tbsp total): Divided for cooking chicken and creating that nutty, golden base for the sauce.
Onion (1, diced): Sweet, soft, and melting into the sauce, it brings a savory backbone.
Garlic (8 cloves, minced): The star of the sauce–use fresh for the biggest, boldest flavor.
Heavy cream (2 cups): The secret to that irresistible creamy sauce that clings to every noodle.
Flour slurry (1 tbsp flour + 2 tbsp water): This quick-mix thickener is what gives the sauce its perfect velvety finish.
Fresh parsley (handful, chopped): Tossed in for brightness, and an extra shower on top never hurts.
Fusilli pasta (8 oz, cooked): Those curly spirals capture every bit of that gorgeous sauce.
Parmesan cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): Melts into the sauce for that cheesy, slightly salty goodness that makes everyone come back for seconds.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by seasoning your butterflied chicken breast with a good pinch of salt and pepper, then sprinkle over the smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, and chili flakes. Drizzle a little olive oil over everything and rub it in so those flavors really hug the chicken. Let it hang out and marinate for at least 10 minutes – trust me, these few minutes give the chicken a huge boost in flavor and juiciness.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat up a skillet over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter. Once it’s gently sizzling, nestle in your marinated chicken breast. Let it sear for 4–5 minutes on each side till it’s beautifully golden outside and perfectly cooked inside. Rest the chicken while everything else comes together – this keeps it juicy and easy to slice.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce Base

Don’t wash that skillet! Toss in two more tablespoons of butter and let it melt and start to brown ever so slightly. This gives the sauce a nutty backbone. Add your diced onion and a big heap of minced garlic. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until everything softens and turns fragrant, setting the stage for The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe) sauce.

Step 4: Thicken the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and let it come up to a gentle simmer. Once it’s warming, stir in your flour slurry (that’s just flour whisked with water) to help the sauce thicken up. After 2–3 minutes, the cream magically transforms into a silky, clingy sauce that wants to drape itself all over your pasta.

Step 5: Flavor Boosters

It’s time to make the sauce sing. Sprinkle in more smoked paprika, a pinch of garlic powder, a shake of chili flakes, and lots of fresh chopped parsley. Stir everything together and let it bubble softly, giving you a sauce that’s both rich and layered.

Step 6: Cook the Fusilli Pasta

Meanwhile, boil your fusilli pasta in well-salted water until just al dente. Drain it (save a splash of pasta water in case you want a looser sauce) and set aside while the sauce keeps bubbling away.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Gently drop the cooked fusilli into your creamy sauce and toss to coat every twist and curl. Now, add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it through so it melts right in, thickening the sauce even more and making every bite of The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe) impossibly dreamy.

Step 8: Top with Sliced Chicken and Garnish

Slice up your rested chicken breast and fan those juicy strips right over the creamy pasta. For the perfect finish, shower everything with extra parsley and another generous sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy!

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

Garnishes

Finish with a flourish – a big scatter of bright, fresh parsley and plenty of extra Parmesan take this dish from comforting to restaurant-worthy. A small pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of olive oil over the top makes the whole dish shine and adds a spark of freshness.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta loves something crispy or sharp on the side: try a tangy green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, garlicky breadsticks for soaking up the sauce, or roasted broccoli for color and crunch. If you want to lean into comfort mode, a side of buttered peas or grilled asparagus fits perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in wide, shallow bowls for a cozy, family-style dinner, or pile high on a platter for a dramatic centerpiece. For a special touch, swirl the pasta high with tongs, layer on the chicken, and finish with Parmesan shards. If you’re prepping for a gathering, you could portion it into ramekins for a fun, individual twist on The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. The creamy sauce keeps everything moist, so this dish tastes fantastic even the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and just know you have a dreamy lunch or dinner waiting!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe), though the cream sauce may separate just a bit upon thawing. To freeze, portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Warm your creamy pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or extra cream if needed to bring the sauce back to its silky self. Gentle heat keeps both the sauce and chicken tender. The microwave works in a pinch—just stir halfway through so everything heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While fusilli’s spirals are amazing for catching the sauce, penne, rotini, or even spaghetti will work beautifully in The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe).

Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce, though it will be slightly less rich. Just simmer longer to reach your desired thickness.

Can I make it with leftover cooked chicken?

Definitely! Just slice or shred cooked chicken and add it in the last few minutes to warm through—you’ll cut down on prep time and still enjoy a spectacular meal.

How spicy is this recipe?

The chili flakes provide just a mild warmth, not an overwhelming heat. If you love spice, bump up the chili flakes or even add a pinch of cayenne. Sensitive to spice? Simply leave the chili out.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

If you need a swap, try Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, or even a sharp white cheddar for a different cheesy character while still maintaining the signature creamy richness of The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe).

Final Thoughts

If you crave cozy, craveable dinners that wow without the wait, put The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe) at the top of your dinner list. Every forkful delivers silky sauce, tender chicken, and a hit of fresh, herby brightness. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—so don’t be surprised if you catch yourself making it again and again. Happy cooking!

The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe) Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 21 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for the best creamy chicken and pasta. Tender marinated chicken served over a bed of decadent pasta coated in a rich, flavorful cream sauce.

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 tablespoon butter, let the butter brown for a minute. Add diced red pepper and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the flour slurry to help thicken the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Flavor: Mix in smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, and chopped parsley. Stir well and let the sauce bubble gently.
Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook Brami Fusilli 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 freshly grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
Top with Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken and place it over the pasta. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

You can customize the pasta shape to your preference.
Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the chili flakes.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 25g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Creamy chicken pasta, Chicken pasta recipe, Cream sauce pasta