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Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe with juicy pan-seared chicken, Parmesan cream sauce, garlic, rosemary, and fresh lemon. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g dried pasta or 300 g fresh pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 chicken breast
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves roughly chopped
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 50 g Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • Salt to taste
  • Lemon zest for garnish
  • Extra rosemary for garnish
  • Extra Parmesan optional

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just under al dente, about one minute less than the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • Place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound it until it is an even 1–1.5 cm thickness.
  • Season both sides with salt and pepper, then lightly coat the chicken with flour.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook the chicken for about 2 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove, loosely cover with foil, and let it rest.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same pan.
  • Add the garlic and cook gently for about 1 minute without browning.
  • Stir in the rosemary and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Gradually add the Parmesan cheese in several batches, stirring until completely melted before adding more.
  • Stir in the black pepper and lemon juice.
  • Add ¼ cup reserved pasta water and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Let everything cook together for another minute.
  • Slice the rested chicken.
  • Serve the Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe topped with sliced chicken, fresh rosemary, lemon zest, and additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Penne, fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti all work beautifully.
  • Fresh pasta cooks faster than dried pasta.
  • Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat.
  • Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad