This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta is a warm, satisfying dish that brings together golden chicken pieces and a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for a cozy evening, this recipe is easy to make with simple pantry staples. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner for two or a weeknight family favorite, this meal hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and creamy: The contrast of crispy chicken with a smooth, cheesy sauce is incredibly satisfying.
Simple ingredients: Made with easy-to-find pantry staples and minimal prep.
Customizable: Add vegetables or swap pasta shapes to fit your taste.
Comforting and filling: The perfect dish to warm you up and fill you up.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your favourite shape)
½ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

Prep the chicken: In a medium bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge them in flour, coating each piece evenly.
Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Sauté shallot and garlic for about 2 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
Creamy finish: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine and serve: Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss gently to combine. Stir in parsley if using. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2–3
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: Toss in spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli for added nutrition.
Cheesy upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella or white cheddar for a richer sauce.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Lighten it up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
Herb boost: Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for more aromatic flavor.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between to prevent drying.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes. Any short or long pasta shape works—try fettuccine, bowties, or shells.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The sauce is best fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and pasta in advance and combine just before serving.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Serve immediately after tossing in the sauce or serve it on top to preserve texture.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a little flour or cornstarch to help it thicken.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s mild, creamy, and easy to adapt for younger palates.

What can I use instead of shallot?

You can substitute with ¼ cup finely chopped onion.

Can I add mushrooms?

Yes. Sauté sliced mushrooms with the shallot and garlic for a heartier sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but skip the flour dredging. Warm it in the sauce before serving.

How do I know the chicken is done?

Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free butter substitute, plant-based cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Conclusion

Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish—easy to prepare, rich in flavor, and endlessly satisfying. With tender chicken, a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, and your favorite pasta, this one-bowl meal is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or mix in your favorite veggies, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again.

Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food

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Author: Douaa
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4-servings

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a simple, comforting, and flavorful one-pan meal. With tender chicken thighs, crispy roasted potatoes, and a savory garlic-Parmesan coating, it’s the perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces)
2 lbs small red potatoes, quartered
1/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash and quarter the potatoes. Mince the garlic.
In a large bowl, combine chicken, potatoes, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Spread everything out in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and potatoes are golden and tender.
Serve hot, optionally with a fresh green salad on the side.

Notes

Add vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers for variety.
Use skinless chicken if preferred—just cover loosely with foil during baking to keep moist.
For a crispy finish, broil the last 2–3 minutes of baking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American