Easy 30 Minute Chicken Pasta
A creamy, cozy pasta dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, featuring juicy chicken and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast Can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- 8 ounces penne pasta Other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini also work.
- 3 cloves fresh garlic Minced.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute half and half for a lighter sauce.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese Add slowly for a smoother consistency.
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt For seasoning the chicken and pasta.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper To taste.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Optional, for extra flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes To add a kick if desired.
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup fresh spinach Add at the end to wilt.
- 1 cup mushrooms Sauté with onions if desired.
- 1 cup broccoli Quickly steamed or cooked with pasta.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just barely done. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Move the chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add more oil or a small knob of butter. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the pasta and chicken to the skillet. Splash in a little reserved pasta water and toss until everything is glossy and coated.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili flakes if desired. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and extra parmesan if you like.
Notes
Salt your pasta water to enhance flavor. Avoid overcooking the chicken and use pasta water strategically to achieve the desired sauce consistency.