Name: Creamy 30-Minute Chicken Pasta Recipe That’s Irresistible
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 8 oz penne pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of chicken pasta to save a busy weeknight. This creamy, garlicky dish has been my go-to for years when I need something delicious on the table fast—seriously, it’s ready in just 30 minutes! I remember the first time I made this for my kids; they devoured it so quickly I barely got a bite myself. The tender chicken, al dente pasta, and that rich cream sauce come together so effortlessly, yet taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s become our family’s favorite meal for those nights when time is short but you still want something special.

Ingredients for Chicken Pasta

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy chicken pasta magic happen – I promise it’s all simple stuff you probably already have in your kitchen! The key is prepping everything before you start cooking (my grandma called this “mise en place” – sounds fancy but just means having it all ready to go).

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 6 oz each, pat them dry so they brown nicely

8 oz penne pasta – or whatever short pasta you’ve got on hand
2 tbsp olive oil – extra virgin gives the best flavor
3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh is best here, about 1 tablespoon minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – slice them right before using so they stay juicy
1/2 cup heavy cream – for that luscious sauce texture
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese – freshly grated melts so much better than the pre-shredded stuff

1 tsp dried basil – or 1 tbsp fresh if you’ve got it
1/2 tsp salt – I use kosher salt for more even seasoning
1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked makes all the difference

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – for that bright, fresh finish

See? Nothing complicated – just good, simple ingredients that work together beautifully. Now let’s get cooking!

How to Make Chicken Pasta

Alright, let’s dive into making this creamy chicken pasta – I’ll walk you through each step just like I would if we were cooking together in my kitchen! The secret is getting everything timed just right, but don’t worry – I’ve burned enough pastas in my life to know exactly what NOT to do.

Cooking the Pasta

First things first – bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil (it should taste like the sea!). Toss in your penne and cook for exactly 1 minute less than the package says – we want that perfect al dente bite. Drain it, but save about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water – it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency later!

Preparing the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts – you should hear that satisfying sizzle! Cook about 6-7 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and the juices run clear (165°F if you’re checking with a thermometer). Let them rest 5 minutes before slicing – this keeps them juicy!

chicken pasta - detail 1

Making the Sauce

In that same skillet (don’t wash it – all those browned bits add flavor!), turn the heat down to medium and add your minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant – about 30 seconds – then toss in the tomatoes. When they start to soften (about 2 minutes), pour in the cream and stir in parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it bubble gently until the sauce coats the back of a spoon – this takes about 3 minutes.

Combining Everything

Now the magic happens! Add your drained pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss everything together vigorously – you want every single piece coated in that creamy goodness. If it looks too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Finish with fresh parsley and dig in!

chicken pasta - detail 2

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pasta

Let me count the ways this chicken pasta has saved my weeknights time and again:

Lightning fast – From fridge to table in 30 minutes flat (I’ve timed it while chasing kids around the kitchen!)

Creamy dreamy sauce – That perfect velvety texture that clings to every noodle just right
Endlessly adaptable – Toss in whatever veggies you’ve got, swap proteins, make it your own
One-pan wonder – Minimal cleanup means more time to actually enjoy your meal

Kid-approved – My picky eaters gobble it up while begging for seconds

Honestly, this recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner – it’s become my not-so-secret weapon for busy days!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Pasta

After making this dish dozens of times, here are my hard-earned secrets for chicken pasta perfection:

Don’t crowd the pan – Cook chicken in batches if needed. Those golden-brown edges make all the difference!
Watch the clock – Chicken dries out fast. Pull it at 165°F and let it rest before slicing.
Sauce too thin? Simmer longer. Too thick? That reserved pasta water is your best friend.

No heavy cream? Half-and-half works, or mix milk with a teaspoon of cornstarch.
Garlic burns easily – Keep it moving and don’t walk away during those crucial 30 seconds!

Trust me, these small adjustments take this already-great dish to absolutely foolproof territory.

Chicken Pasta Variations

The beauty of this chicken pasta is how easily it adapts to whatever’s in your fridge! Some of my favorite twists:

Stir in baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms during the last minute of cooking
Swap sun-dried tomatoes for fresh ones – their intense flavor is amazing

Try shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version (cook just until pink!)
Mix in roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra veggie power

Honestly, once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, the variations are endless – have fun making it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Pasta

This chicken pasta is fantastic all on its own, but here’s how I love to round out the meal: crusty garlic bread for dipping in that creamy sauce (my kids fight over the last piece!), and a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For garnish, extra parmesan and red pepper flakes are always on the table – because who doesn’t love a little customization?

Storing and Reheating Chicken Pasta

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store cooled chicken pasta in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer (thaw overnight before reheating). To bring it back to life, splash in a little milk or water and gently warm it on the stove over low heat – microwaving tends to dry it out. Stir occasionally until heated through, and you’ve got a quick second meal that tastes just as good as the first!

Chicken Pasta FAQs

Let me answer those burning questions I always get about this chicken pasta recipe:

Can I use milk instead of cream? Absolutely! Just mix 1 cup milk with 1 tsp cornstarch for a lighter sauce. It won’t be quite as rich, but still delicious.
How should I store leftovers? In an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. The sauce thickens as it sits, so add a splash of milk when reheating.
Can I grill the chicken? Yes! Grilled chicken adds amazing smoky flavor. Just slice it before adding to the pasta.

Can I make it ahead? Prep the chicken and sauce separately, then combine when ready to serve for best texture.

Don’t be afraid to experiment – some of my best versions came from happy accidents!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1.5 cups) of this chicken pasta: 450 calories, 30g protein, and 45g carbs. Remember, actual values may vary slightly based on ingredient brands and exact portion sizes. It’s a satisfying meal that balances protein and carbs perfectly for a hearty dinner!

chicken pasta - detail 3

Hi, I’m Judy!

I’m a passionate home chef who finds joy in creating delicious meals and sharing them with friends and family. My love for cooking began at a young age, and there’s nothing quite like seeing someone’s face light up after trying one of my dishes.

About Me

Ingredients for Chicken Pasta