Description
This creamy chicken pasta recipe brings comfort and rich flavors together in a simple, easy-to-make dish. Featuring tender chicken breast, a luscious creamy sauce made with shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), and perfectly cooked pasta, this meal is ideal for quick weeknight dinners and family meals. Versatile and customizable, it invites additions like your favorite veggies or protein alternatives while delivering satisfying, mild flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni recommended)
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or creamy plant milk alternative (e.g., coconut cream, cashew cream)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot; keep warm.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream or plant milk alternative and stir to combine. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar. Gradually add shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce and stir well. Pour the creamy sauce and chicken mixture over the cooked pasta, tossing until the pasta is evenly coated and the chicken is fully integrated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for freshness and color. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Use freshly shredded or thawed shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) for best melting results.
- Cook the sauce gently to prevent curdling and maintain smoothness.
- Season gradually and taste frequently to balance flavors perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, dairy-free variation, gluten-free pasta