Making a comforting, delicious Chicken Pasta doesn’t have to be complicated. This easy pasta dish comes together in about 35 minutes, making it the perfect quick dinner recipe for a busy weeknight. It’s a family favorite, passed down with generations of kitchen wisdom. Let me show you how to bring this taste of Italy to your table.

What You’ll Need for Your Chicken Pasta

For the Pasta & Chicken

• Penne Pasta – The tube shape is perfect for holding onto our rich, creamy sauce.
• Boneless Chicken Breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.

For the Creamy Sauce

• Heavy Cream – Creates the luxurious, rich base for our sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty complexity that is essential.
• Fresh Basil – Provides a bright, herbal finish that makes the dish sing.

Ready in a Flash: Your Cozy Dinner Timeline

Don’t let the rich flavor fool you. This Chicken Pasta is one of those easy pasta dishes that comes together so quickly. With just 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a total time of 35 minutes from start to finish.

This makes it ideal for a hectic weeknight when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss. I love how the timing allows the chicken to become perfectly tender and the sauce to reach a velvety consistency. If you enjoy meals that are both fast and flavorful, you might also appreciate my creamy garlic pasta.

Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets

In our family, we believe good food is for everyone. If you’re looking for a more sugar conscious option, this recipe is naturally a great choice. The sauce relies on the richness of cream and cheese, not added sugars.

For even better glycemic control, consider using a whole-wheat penne pasta. It adds fiber and has a lower glycemic index. You could also swap the heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative like half-and-half, though the sauce will be a bit less rich.

My Family’s Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Pasta

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this dish truly special. Here is my generational wisdom, shared with love.

• Flavor Swap: For a different twist, try using grilled chicken. It adds a wonderful smoky flavor. My grilled chicken caprese has a similar vibe.
• Diet Tweak: To make it lighter, use whole-grain pasta and Greek yogurt instead of some of the cream.
• Texture Fix: Always grate your own Parmesan cheese. The pre-shredded kind often has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
• Reheat Tip: Leftovers are delicious! Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life. For another great leftover idea, see my chicken divan.

Nourishing Your Family, One Bowl at a Time

This Chicken Pasta is not just comforting, it’s also nourishing. Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle.

The dish is also a good source of calcium from the Parmesan cheese, important for strong bones. For a vegetable-packed alternative, my hearty vegetable pasta bake is a family favorite. If you’re looking for a different protein option, this vegan chickpea pasta is wonderful. According to the USDA, tomatoes provide beneficial vitamins like Vitamin C.

A Lighter Version for Everyday Enjoyment

Sometimes you want all the flavor with a little less richness. For a lighter version of this Chicken Pasta, you can easily make a few swaps. Use half-and-half or even whole milk instead of heavy cream.

You can also boost the veggies by adding spinach or broccoli florets along with the tomatoes. For a completely different but equally delicious lighter pasta, try my vegan spinach alfredo.

Gathering Around the Table: How to Serve

I remember my Nonna serving a dish just like this on Sunday evenings. The whole family would gather, and the table was filled with laughter. It’s a memory I cherish.

To serve your Chicken Pasta, I love a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of crusty bread is essential for scooping up every last bit of the creamy sauce. For a heartier meal, pair it with my chicken parmesan or this flavorful spinach artichoke chicken.

Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Even the best cooks can make a simple error. Here’s how to ensure your Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time.

Why is my sauce too thin? Make sure to simmer the sauce over low heat after adding the cheese. This allows it to reduce and thicken properly. Don’t rush this step.

How can I prevent dry chicken? Be careful not to overcook the chicken pieces in the first step. They will cook a little more when added back to the sauce. For another recipe where timing is key, check out my garlicky greens pasta.

Why is my pasta gummy? Always cook your pasta just until al dente. It will continue to soften in the hot sauce. This is a good tip for any pasta recipe.

I once added the cheese while the sauce was too hot, and it became stringy. Now I always reduce the heat first. It’s a small step that makes all the difference.

Preserving Your Leftovers with Love

In my home, we rarely have leftovers, but when we do, they are a treat for the next day. Store your Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat it gently on the stovetop with a little extra broth or milk. The pasta will absorb the sauce, so you may need to add a bit more liquid. For a great make-ahead meal, my slow cooker ravioli lasagna is perfect.

From Our Family Table to Yours

This Chicken Pasta is more than just a recipe. It’s a tradition. It’s the smell of garlic sautéing, the sound of laughter in the kitchen, and the joy of a shared meal.

I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as we do. It’s a true labor of love. If you’re looking for more inspiration, try this vegan zucchini carrot pasta for a colorful twist, or this unique vegan turkey club pasta. For a cozy fall option, my vegan pumpkin pasta is wonderful. And for the ultimate comfort food, you can’t beat a classic mac and cheese. This creamy Chicken Pasta is a dish you’ll return to again and again.

More Cozy Pasta Dinners You’ll Adore

If you loved this easy, comforting meal, here are a few more pasta recipes that are perfect for a family dinner. Each one is made with the same care and tradition.

Vegan Broccoli Mac – A creamy, dreamy plant-based twist on a classic that everyone will love.