Name: The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large chicken breast, butterflied; Salt & 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; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 onion, diced; 8 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 tablespoon flour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (flour slurry); Handful fresh parsley, chopped; 8 oz cooked fusilli pasta; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon chili flakes; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 10 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, indulgent dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe). This dish combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with a luscious, velvety sauce wrapped around beautifully cooked fusilli pasta. It’s the kind of meal that turns any evening into a special occasion without needing hours in the kitchen. Every bite brings together the smoky warmth of paprika, the gentle kick of chili flakes, and the rich depth of fresh Parmesan, making this recipe an absolute favorite to keep on repeat.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create this flavor-packed dish. Each component plays a key role: from the spices that build the character of the chicken to the butter and cream that bring the sauce’s irresistible creaminess to life.

Chicken breast (1 large, butterflied): Choosing a butterflied breast ensures quick, even cooking and juicy tenderness.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky depth without overwhelming the dish.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a savory background note for both the chicken and sauce.
Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Brings gentle herbaceousness that brightens the marinade.
Chili flakes (¼ teaspoon): Gives just enough warmth to wake up the palate.
Olive oil (½ tablespoon): Helps the marinade adhere and adds richness.
Butter (1 tablespoon for chicken, 2 tablespoons for sauce): Integral for a golden sear and a silky sauce base.
Onion (1, diced): Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
Garlic cloves (8, minced): Their pungent aroma perfumes the sauce beautifully.
Heavy cream (2 cups): The heart of the sauce’s creamy texture.
Flour (1 tablespoon) mixed with water (2 tablespoons): The slurry is a simple thickener that brings the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Fresh parsley (handful, chopped): A fresh herbaceous boost at the end.
Fusilli pasta (8 oz, cooked): The spiral shape helps trap sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
Parmesan cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): Melts into the sauce imparting sharp, nutty richness.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by seasoning your butterflied chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, and chili flakes. Drizzle with olive oil to help the spices meld into the meat. Letting it marinate for about 10 minutes allows the flavors to sink deep, giving the chicken that irresistible punch right from the first bite.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add your marinated chicken and cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s gorgeously golden and cooked through. Removing it to rest before slicing helps keep the juices locked in, ensuring moist and tender pieces when you serve.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics for the Sauce

Don’t toss out the skillet—you’re about to coax out every bit of flavor left behind. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it brown slightly, creating a beautifully nutty base. Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften and release their fragrant charm. This is where that comforting aroma fills your kitchen, promising something truly special.

Step 4: Thicken and Flavor the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the flour slurry. This step gently thickens the sauce, transforming it into a luscious coat for the pasta. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, and your chopped parsley to elevate complexity and freshness. Let everything bubble gently for a few minutes to marry the flavors perfectly.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Combine

While your sauce thickens, cook the fusilli pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and add it directly to your sauce, tossing well to ensure every twist and turn is drenched in that creamy goodness. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan, letting it melt and mingle, adding a glorious richness that ties everything together like a dream.

Step 6: Slice and Top with Chicken

Slice your rested chicken breast into strips or bite-sized pieces and nestle them right on top of your pasta. For the finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan and fresh parsley over everything for color and a final burst of flavor. Now, it’s ready to serve and impress.

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

Garnishes

A simple garnish can take your dish from wonderful to wow. Freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color while a sprinkle of extra Parmesan sharpens the cheesy kick. Feel free to scatter a few chili flakes if you want to turn the heat up a notch, or a lemon wedge on the side adds a bright counterbalance to all that creaminess.

Side Dishes

Since this pasta plate is wonderfully rich, pairing it with crisp, fresh sides really complements it. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans also work perfectly, providing texture contrast and earthy flavors that balance the creamy pasta elegantly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests or elevate a cozy night in? Serve this beautiful dish in individual shallow bowls to keep the sauce warm and inviting. For a fun twist, try layering pasta and sliced chicken in glass casserole dishes or ramekins, baked briefly to brown the top with a little extra Parmesan. Presentation truly makes your meal feel like a special treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen after resting, making your leftovers just as delightful. Keep your chicken slices on top to avoid soggy pasta, or mix everything thoroughly for evenly coated bites when reheated.

Freezing

While freshly made cream sauces don’t always freeze beautifully, you can freeze the cooked pasta and chicken separately. Store pasta without sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to two months, and freeze sliced chicken wrapped tightly. Combine and reheat gently when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to maintain that creamy texture and prevent sticking. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it may dry out the chicken and cause the sauce to split.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While fusilli works wonderfully for holding onto the sauce, penne, fettuccine, or even farfalle would be excellent substitutes, each bringing their own little twist to the texture and bite.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes chili flakes for a subtle, warm kick, but the heat is very mild and balanced by the creamy sauce. You can always adjust the chili flakes up or down to suit your spice preference.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will shift slightly, but it will still be delicious and creamy.

How long does the chicken need to marinate?

Just 10 minutes is enough to infuse the chicken with flavor thanks to the bold spices and olive oil. If you have more time, marinating for up to an hour will deepen the flavors even further.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge up to three days. This helps keep flavors fresh and prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce or drying out.

Final Thoughts

This recipe truly earns its name: The Best Creamy Chicken and Pasta (Easy Recipe). It’s effortless enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests. With every step carefully designed to layer flavors and textures, it’s a cozy meal that brings comfort and joy. Give it a try and prepare to make it a favorite in your kitchen—it’s that good!