This Creamy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor, yet made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Tender chicken breast, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety light cream sauce come together in a one-pan wonder that feels indulgent without being heavy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: On the table in just 30 minutes.
Creamy but Light: All the flavor of classic cream pasta, made a little healthier.
Family Approved: A dish both kids and adults will devour.
One-Pan Convenience: Less mess, less cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups whole wheat or regular pasta (penne or rotini work great)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup low-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
- ½ cup light cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3. Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and soft. Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring to deglaze the pan.
4. Make it Creamy
Reduce heat to low. Whisk in cream cheese and Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing until coated in the sauce.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Tips for Success
- Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Adds extra fiber and nutrition.
- Cream Cheese Trick: Light cream cheese makes the sauce silky without being too heavy.
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Make Ahead: This pasta reheats beautifully for next-day lunches.
Why This Recipe Works
It balances comfort with practicality—creamy, cheesy, and hearty enough to satisfy cravings, while using lighter ingredients to keep it fresh and wholesome. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that saves time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor.