Simple Creamy Chicken Pasta

Quick, cozy, weeknight comfort

This Simple Creamy Chicken Pasta is the kind of comforting, no-stress dinner busy nights were made for. Tender chicken, a silky cream sauce, and bright pops of lemon and rosemary come together in under 30 minutes for a meal that feels special without the extra effort. It’s rich but not heavy, cozy yet fresh, and perfect for everything from quick family dinners to casual date nights at home. If you’re looking for an easy creamy pasta recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal prep, this one checks all the boxes—and then some.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients List

• 200 g dried pasta (or 300 g fresh pasta)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 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, very finely grated
• Lemon zest, for finishing
• Extra rosemary, for garnish
• Salt, to taste

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Fine grater (for Parmesan & zest)

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Cook the chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken strips, season lightly with salt, and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Start the sauce
   In the same pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant .
4. Thicken
   Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 30 seconds. Slowly pour in cream, whisking until smooth.
5. Flavor it up
   Add black pepper and lemon juice. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thick and glossy.
6. Bring it together
   Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the pan. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed.
7. Finish strong
   Turn off heat. Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy . Finish with lemon zest and extra rosemary .

Pro Tips

• Extra silky sauce: Add Parmesan off the heat to prevent clumping.
• Meal prep: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Lighter option: Swap half the cream for milk or evaporated milk.
• Serving idea: Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Print