Traditional Chicken Pasta

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of Traditional Chicken Pasta. It's a classic, creamy dish that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. With its rich sauce and tender chicken, this recipe brings a touch of elegance to your table without much fuss.

Ingredients for Traditional Chicken Pasta

Chicken breast provides a lean protein that pairs wonderfully with pasta. When cooked right, it’s juicy and flavorful. Fettuccine pasta is the ideal choice for soaking up the creamy sauce, thanks to its flat, wide shape. Olive oil is used for cooking the chicken and adds a subtle richness. Heavy cream forms the base of the sauce, making it thick and luxurious. Chicken broth adds depth and a savory note to the creaminess. Parmesan cheese not only thickens the sauce but infuses it with a nutty, salty flavor. Garlic is essential for its aromatic quality, enhancing the overall taste. Italian seasoning brings a hint of herbs, tying everything together beautifully. Finally, salt and pepper are crucial for balancing the flavors, and fresh parsley offers a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of lemon juice and Italian seasoning before cooking.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and texture.
  • If the sauce is too thick, adjust with a splash of pasta water or additional broth.
  • Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a slice of garlic bread. A glass of chilled white wine, like a Chardonnay, complements the creamy sauce wonderfully. For a heartier meal, consider adding steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms to the pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne or linguine work well if you don’t have fettuccine on hand.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as thick and rich.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Traditional Chicken Pasta Recipe Walkthrough

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Throw in the fettuccine pasta and let it cook until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but save a cup of the pasta water — you might need it later to adjust the sauce consistency.

While the pasta is cooking, heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breast in the skillet and let it cook until it’s golden and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it thinly — this helps it mix better with the pasta and sauce later.

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring them together gently. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer; this is where the magic starts.

Next, add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning into the creamy mix. Stir continuously until the cheese melts, and the sauce begins to thicken. If it seems too thick, a splash of the reserved pasta water can help loosen it up to your liking.

Now, return the sliced chicken and the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything well to ensure the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve it up hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
  • A creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta and chicken.
  • Adaptable with your favorite veggies or spices.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast
8 oz fettuccine pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Boil a pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the chicken breast until golden and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and slice thinly.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the sauce thickens.
6. Return the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

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