Creamy 30-Minute Chicken Pasta

Creamy 30-Minute Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish you turn to when you want something rich, satisfying, and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender chicken pieces, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky cream sauce come together in one pan with garlic and herbs for a meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly quick and easy. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, family meals, or even casual entertaining—comfort food done right, in just half an hour.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18–20 minutes

Total Time: ~30 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Pasta & Chicken

300 g (10–12 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)

2 tbsp olive oil or butter

400–450 g (1 lb) boneless chicken breast, sliced into strips

1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp paprika (or Italian seasoning)

½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

For the Creamy Sauce

1 tbsp butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cooking cream or heavy cream

½ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ tsp dried oregano or basil

¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, enhances creaminess)

Optional Add-Ins

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1 cup spinach or broccoli florets

Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes. Cook for 5–6 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, sauté garlic for 30–40 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in cream and chicken broth, stirring gently. Add oregano and nutmeg. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine Everything

Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed for a silky sauce.

Finish & Serve

Add spinach or other vegetables (if using) and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls

Pair with a fresh green salad

Add extra Parmesan or cracked black pepper on top

Final Thoughts

This Creamy 30-Minute Chicken Pasta proves that quick meals can still be rich, flavorful, and comforting. With tender chicken, perfectly coated pasta, and a smooth, cheesy cream sauce, it’s a reliable go-to recipe you’ll come back to again and again—especially on busy days when you want maximum flavor with minimum effort