Indulgent Chicken Pasta in a Silky Cream Sauce

Indulgent Chicken Pasta in a Silky Cream Sauce is a luscious, restaurant-quality dish featuring tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a velvety cream sauce. It’s a comforting meal that feels luxurious without being complicated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this pasta dish feels indulgent yet comes together with ease. The silky sauce clings to every bite of chicken and pasta, delivering rich flavor and creamy satisfaction. It’s perfect for treating myself or impressing guests—and it’s surprisingly simple to pull off.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Salt and pepper

• Garlic powder

• Olive oil or butter

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Shallot or small onion, finely chopped

• White wine or chicken broth

• Heavy cream (or half‑and‑half)

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Italian seasoning or fresh herbs (basil, parsley)

• Lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

• Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)

directions

1. I season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

2. I heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and just cooked through—about 5‑7 minutes per side—then remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, I add a touch more oil or butter and sauté minced garlic and chopped shallot until fragrant and soft, about 2 minutes.

4. I deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.

5. I stir in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken slightly.

6. I whisk in grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy, then season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and lemon zest if using.

7. I slice the cooked chicken and return it to the sauce to gently warm and absorb flavor.

8. Meanwhile, I cook pasta until al dente, drain (reserving a bit of pasta water), and add it to the skillet. I toss gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired sauce consistency.

9. I garnish with chopped fresh herbs before serving.

Servings and timing

• Serves 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20–25 minutes

• Total time: About 30–35 minutes

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream, broth, or pasta water to refresh the silky sauce. Microwaving works too—just stir in liquid between intervals for the best texture.

Variations

• Protein swap: I sometimes use sliced Italian sausage, shrimp, or turkey instead of chicken.

• Veggie boost: I stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, peas, or roasted cherry tomatoes.

• Spicy twist: I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

• Cheese upgrade: I mix in freshly grated Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor.

• Lightened version: I swap heavy cream for half-and-half, or use Greek yogurt stirred in off heat just before serving for creaminess with less fat.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

I use an instant-read thermometer—it should reach 165 °F (74 °C) at the thickest part. If I don’t have one, I slice the chicken to check that it’s no longer pink inside.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—I substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with a dairy-free creamer (like oat or cashew cream) and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

What pasta shape works best?

I like fettuccine or penne since they hold the creamy sauce well, but rigatoni, fusilli, or shells also work beautifully.

Can I prep this ahead?

I often slice and season the chicken ahead of time. I cook everything fresh for the best texture, then store sauce and chicken separately. I gently rewarm and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Does the sauce thicken as it cools?

Yes—it thickens a bit once off heat. That’s why I reserve pasta water: I add it back in when reheating to loosen the sauce to my ideal consistency.

Conclusion

Indulgent Chicken Pasta in a Silky Cream Sauce is my go-to when I want something comforting, rich, and satisfying without fuss. With its tender chicken, creamy sauce, and adaptability, it’s a luxurious dish that I often turn to for casual dinners or entertaining. I hope it becomes a favorite in your meals as it is in mine!