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The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy & Comforting)

The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy & Comforting)
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This Creamy Chicken and Pasta is the ultimate easy dinner for busy nights when you still want something rich and satisfying. Tender, well-seasoned chicken is paired with perfectly cooked pasta and tossed in a silky, Parmesan cream sauce that tastes restaurant-quality but comes together in just 35 minutes. It’s cozy, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 1 large chicken breast, butterflied

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes

  • ½ tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)

For the Pasta Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 1 onion, diced

  • 8 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 1 tablespoon flour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes

  • Handful fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 8 oz fusilli pasta, cooked al dente

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken
    Season the chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, and chili flakes. Drizzle with olive oil and let marinate for 10 minutes.

  2. Cook the Chicken
    Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the pan, let rest, then slice.

  3. Start the Sauce
    In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter and allow it to lightly brown. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.

  4. Thicken the Sauce
    Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the flour slurry. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly.

  5. Season the Sauce
    Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, and fresh parsley. Stir and let the sauce gently bubble.

  6. Cook the Pasta
    While the sauce simmers, cook fusilli pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well.

  7. Combine Everything
    Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

  8. Serve
    Top with sliced chicken and garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Extra Creamy: Add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra cream if the sauce thickens too much.

  • Protein Swap: Chicken thighs or shrimp work beautifully.

  • Veggie Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.

  • Less Heat: Skip chili flakes for a milder version.

  • Cheese Tip: Always grate Parmesan fresh for the smoothest sauce.

Find it online: https://chocotune.com/the-best-creamy-chicken-and-pasta-easy-comforting/