If you're looking for a quick and creamy chicken pasta recipe that your husband will love, you've come to the right place! I remember one evening when my husband, Jake, came home after a long day at work, and all he wanted was a comforting meal. This creamy chicken pasta for two is not only easy to whip up but also packed with flavor, making it one of the best dinner ideas for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love It
- It's a simple recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes.
- The creamy sauce is rich and satisfying, perfect for a cozy dinner.
- You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home.
- It's a dish that brings smiles to the dinner table.
Pure Comfort
This creamy chicken pasta is pure comfort food. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious sauce is hard to resist. Plus, it’s a meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.
What You Need
- 8 oz 8 oz fettuccine pasta – You can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer.
- 1 lb 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Thinly sliced for quicker cooking.
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp olive oil – Can use vegetable oil if preferred.
- 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds a nice flavor.
- 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream – For a lighter option, use half-and-half.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated gives the best flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust based on your preference.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish and added freshness.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prep the chicken and sauce a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Once it's al dente, drain it and set aside, letting the steam escape to keep it from sticking together.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; you want that lovely aroma without the bitterness.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, turning a beautiful creamy color.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency. It should be creamy but not overly heavy.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another minute to warm through.
- Finally, remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Make It Perfect
- For a little extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to prevent it from drying out.
Mix It Up
- You can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Swap the chicken for shrimp or even a plant-based protein for a different twist.
Perfect Partners
- Pair with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, complements this dish beautifully.
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FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Can I freeze this creamy chicken pasta?
It’s best not to freeze the creamy sauce, as it may separate. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative if you prefer.
What other proteins can I use?
Shrimp or even cooked sausage work well in this recipe.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken pasta for two is not just a meal; it's a moment to enjoy together. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it's no wonder this dish is a favorite among husbands. Give it a try, and I bet it will become one of your go-to dinner recipes for two!
Creamy Chicken Pasta for Two Easy Dinner Husbands Love
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Main
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta fettuccine pasta can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts chicken breasts thinly sliced for quicker cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil olive oil can use vegetable oil if preferred
- 2 cloves garlic garlic minced, fresh adds nice flavor
- 1 cup heavy cream heavy cream for lighter option, use half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Parmesan cheese freshly grated gives best flavor
- to taste salt and pepper salt and pepper adjust based on preference
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley fresh parsley chopped, for garnish and freshness
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding burning it.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stir well, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth; add pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce; cook for another minute to warm through.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley; serve immediately and enjoy.