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
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Crispy and creamy: The contrast of crispy chicken with a smooth, cheesy sauce is incredibly satisfying.
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Simple ingredients: Made with easy-to-find pantry staples and minimal prep.
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Customizable: Add vegetables or swap pasta shapes to fit your taste.
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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.)
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp paprika
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp butter
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1 shallot, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your favourite shape)
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½ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Servings: 2–3
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Add vegetables: Toss in spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli for added nutrition.
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Cheesy upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella or white cheddar for a richer sauce.
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Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
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Lighten it up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
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Herb boost: Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for more aromatic flavor.
Storage/reheating
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Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating:
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Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
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Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between to prevent drying.
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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.
[tasty-recipe id=”18945″]