This Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta is a cozy and creamy dish that’s super easy to whip up! With tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and pasta, it’s comfort food at its best.
You’ll love how quick it comes together—perfect for busy nights! I like to sprinkle some parsley on top for color and a little extra flavor. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Any pasta works! I love penne for its texture, but rotini or bow-tie pasta also hold the sauce well. If you’re gluten-free, try using chickpea or quinoa pasta.
Chicken: You can use turkey or cooked rotisserie chicken as a time-saver. Just add it toward the end to heat it through.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives that creamy bliss, but Greek yogurt or ricotta can be good substitutes for a lighter option. Just add them gradually to avoid curdling.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor. If you’re out, pecorino cheese works too or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist!
How Do I Achieve the Creamiest Sauce?
Getting that smooth, creamy sauce is key! Start by adding the cream cheese slowly after cooking the garlic. This helps it melt evenly without clumping. Make sure to stir continuously when you add milk and chicken broth for a velvety texture.
- Keep the heat on medium to avoid scorching the sauce.
- Whisk the liquid in gradually—this creates a better emulsion!
- If the sauce gets too thick, feel free to add a bit more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
With these tips, you’ll have a rich and creamy sauce that holds everything together beautifully! Enjoy making this delightful dish!
How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces (225g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping ingredients, and around 20 minutes cooking the dish from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water and cook the pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente (firm but not hard). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later. This ensures it stays fresh and perfectly cooked.
2. Browning the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds—just until it starts to smell delicious! Be careful not to burn it, as that would make it bitter.
4. Making the Creamy Sauce:
Now, reduce the heat to medium and add the softened cream cheese. Stir it gently until it starts to melt and combines with the garlic. This will create a creamy base for your sauce.
5. Adding Liquids:
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk to the skillet. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is the heart of your creamy sauce!
6. Finalizing the Sauce:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce cook for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens up a bit. Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if you’d like.
7. Combining Chicken and Pasta:
Next, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring it to coat with the creamy sauce. Then, gently add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. Make sure everything is evenly coated and heated through—this takes just a couple of minutes!
8. Serving:
Once everything is well mixed, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately. This adds a nice touch of color and freshness!
Enjoy your creamy, delicious Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner that’ll impress your family or friends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to leave it in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method: seal it in a plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 1-2 hours, changing the water halfway.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese or a cashew cream. Use almond, coconut, or soy milk in place of regular milk, and nutritional yeast can replace the Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring between, or warm gently on the stove over low heat until heated through.
What Can I Serve with This Pasta?
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. You can also roast some seasonal vegetables to serve alongside for a complete meal!
