You know what? Weeknights can be absolutely chaotic. We all have those moments where we stare into the fridge and hope dinner will magically appear. If you are looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug but takes less than thirty minutes, this Creamy Chicken Pasta is your answer.
Honestly, this dish has become a regular in my kitchen. It strikes that perfect balance between comfort food and something that feels a little special. The sauce is rich and velvety, clinging to every single noodle. It is one of those Easy Chicken Pasta Recipes that you will want to make again and again.
The best part is how simple it is to pull together. You do not need fancy equipment or hours of prep time. With just a few pantry staples and some fresh ingredients, you can create a restaurant quality meal right at home. Let me walk you through how to make this incredible Creamy Chicken Pasta.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this dish. First of all, the flavor profile is outstanding. The Cajun seasoning adds a gentle kick that cuts through the richness of the cream. It makes the dish exciting without being overwhelmingly spicy.
Another huge plus is the speed. You can have this entire meal on the table in about thirty minutes. This makes it ideal for busy families or anyone who wants a delicious dinner without the long wait. It is faster than ordering delivery and tastes so much better.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. While it is perfect as written, it serves as a great base for other Chicken Breast Pasta Recipes. You can swap in different veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. It is forgiving and fun to customize.
Finally, it is budget friendly. You do not need expensive cuts of meat or hard to find ingredients. Chicken breast, pasta, and some basic dairy create a luxurious texture without breaking the bank. It is one of the most satisfying Creamy Pasta Recipes you will find.
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to make this delicious Creamy Chicken Pasta. Gather these items before you start cooking to make the process smooth and stress free.
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ medium red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon dried chilli flakes
- ⅔ cup cream
- ½ cup lightly packed finely shredded parmesan
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 7 ounces dried penne pasta, or other dried pasta
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this Creamy Chicken Pasta is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure you get perfectly cooked chicken and a sauce that is smooth and flavorful.
Step 1: Prepare The Water
Start by grabbing a large pot. Fill it about halfway with water and add a generous amount of salt. You want the water to taste like the sea. Place the pot on the stove and bring it to a rolling boil. This will be for your pasta later on.
Step 2: Season The Chicken
While the water is heating up, turn your attention to the protein. Place your sliced chicken strips in a bowl. Add the Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Use your hands or a spoon to give it a really good mix. You want to ensure every single piece of chicken is coated in those spices. This is where the deep flavor of the Creamy Chicken Noodles starts to build.
Step 3: Sear The Chicken
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, drop the temperature down to medium. Carefully place the seasoned chicken strips into the pan.
Cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes. Turn the pieces every so often to ensure they brown evenly. You want them just cooked through but still juicy. Once they are done, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
Step 4: Sauté The Aromatics
Do not wash the pan! Keep it over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion to the same pan. Cook the onion for a few minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
Be careful not to let the onion burn. Once the onion is soft, add the minced garlic and dried chilli flakes. Cook this mixture while stirring constantly for about one minute. You should smell the fragrant garlic filling the kitchen.
Step 5: Cook The Pasta
By now, your water should be boiling. Place the dried penne pasta into the boiling water. Give it a quick stir to prevent sticking. Cook it according to the package directions, but aim for al dente.
Step 6: Build The Sauce Base
While the pasta cooks, go back to your frying pan. Add the tomato paste to the onions and garlic. Stir it around and let it cook for one minute. This helps deepen the tomato flavor.
Next, pour in the chicken stock. Stir well to combine everything. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. That is pure flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 7: Make It Creamy
Now for the best part. Pour in the cream and add the shredded parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and combines with the liquid. You will see the sauce transform into a rich, orange colored delight.
Step 8: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the fresh baby spinach and the chopped parsley. Stir everything well. Keep the heat on until the spinach has wilted down into the sauce.
Step 9: Finish The Dish
Before you drain the pasta, carefully scoop out and retain 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the rest of the pasta. Add the cooked pasta directly into the frying pan with the sauce and chicken.
Mix everything together until the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce looks too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water at a time. Stir until you have the consistency you like. Serve your Creamy Chicken Pasta immediately.
How To Store Leftovers
If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, they store quite well. Place the cooled pasta in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a great option for meal prep lunches.
To reheat, I recommend using the stove or the microwave. If you use the microwave, add a splash of water or milk before heating. This helps loosen the sauce up again, as it tends to thicken when cold.
You can also freeze this dish, though cream sauces can sometimes separate slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, use a freezer safe container and eat it within 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Tips
Here are a few tips to make sure your Creamy Chicken Pasta turns out perfect every single time.
First, do not skip the step of reserving pasta water. That cloudy water is full of starch. It is the secret weapon for binding the sauce to the noodles and getting that glossy restaurant finish.
Be careful not to overcook the chicken during the first step. Remember that you will add it back to the sauce later to warm through. If you cook it too long initially, it might become dry.
Feel free to adjust the spice level. If you are sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the chilli flakes. If you love spice, go ahead and add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
You can use any pasta shape you have on hand. Penne works great because the tube shape holds the sauce well. However, fusilli, rotini, or even fettuccine would work nicely in this recipe.
Freshly grated parmesan makes a difference. The pre shredded stuff in bags often has anti clumping agents that can make your sauce grainy. Grating your own block of cheese ensures a smoother melt.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that comes together in no time. This Creamy Chicken Pasta is proof that you do not need to spend hours in the kitchen to make something amazing.
The combination of tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and that spicy creamy sauce is truly unbeatable. It is one of those Creamy Pasta Recipes that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
I really hope you give this recipe a try this week. It might just become your new favorite way to cook chicken. If you do make it, let me know how it turned out!
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Absolutely. To make this gluten free, simply swap the regular penne for your favorite gluten free pasta brand. Also, double check that your Cajun seasoning and chicken stock are certified gluten free, as hidden gluten can sometimes lurk in spice blends and broths.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can certainly use chicken thighs. In fact, thighs are often juicier and more forgiving than breasts. Just slice them into strips and follow the recipe exactly as written. They might take an extra minute or two to brown, so just keep an eye on them.
Is This Recipe Very Spicy?
It has a medium kick to it thanks to the Cajun seasoning and chilli flakes. If you are cooking for young kids or people who do not like heat, you can reduce the Cajun seasoning to half a tablespoon and leave out the chilli flakes entirely. It will still be delicious.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitley. This Creamy Chicken Pasta is very adaptable. Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would be great additions. You can sauté them right along with the onions in step 4. It is a great way to sneak more veggies into your diet.
What Can I Substitute For Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half and half, though the sauce will be thinner. For a dairy free option, full fat coconut milk or a plant based heavy cream alternative can work, but keep in mind it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Creamy Chicken Pasta
This quick and easy Creamy Chicken Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal. Tender chicken and pasta are tossed in a rich, velvety Cajun cream sauce for a comforting dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the sliced red onion until soft. Add minced garlic and chilli flakes and cook for one minute until fragrant.
- Cook the penne pasta in the boiling water according to package directions until al dente.
- Stir the tomato paste into the onion mixture and cook for one minute. Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the cream and shredded parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the baby spinach and parsley. Stir until the spinach has wilted.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. Add the pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
Reserve the starchy pasta water! It’s the secret to a glossy sauce that clings to the noodles.
Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it will be added back to the sauce to warm through.
Freshly grated parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded varieties, resulting in a smoother sauce.
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