This cream cheese chicken pasta is a rich, comforting meal made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a smooth, creamy sauce that coats every bite. It’s an easy dinner option that feels indulgent while still being simple enough for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick to prepare and uses everyday ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. The cream cheese creates a luxuriously smooth sauce without needing heavy cream, and the chicken adds hearty protein to make it a complete meal. It’s family-friendly, customizable, and perfect for both casual dinners and cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
400 g pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
450 g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
200 g cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Lower the heat and add the cream cheese, stirring gently until it begins to melt. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously until a smooth and creamy sauce forms.
Add dried oregano and basil, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well. Sprinkle in the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and fully combined.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
For extra vegetables, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce. You can swap chicken breast with chicken thigh for a juicier texture. For a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used without changing the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. Stir well before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat gently with extra milk to maintain creaminess.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or rotini holds the sauce well, but long pasta such as fettuccine also works nicely.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Freezing is not recommended as cream cheese sauces can separate when thawed.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Absolutely, vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms pair very well with the creamy sauce.
How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?
Add small amounts of milk or pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, simply add it when combining the sauce to heat it through.
What seasoning can I add for more flavor?
Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or a pinch of chili flakes can enhance the taste.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can try dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk, though the flavor will vary.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s mild, creamy, and very kid-friendly.
Conclusion
Cream cheese chicken pasta is a satisfying and comforting dish that brings together simple ingredients for a rich, creamy result. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe is easy, versatile, and sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish made with tender chicken, pasta, and a smooth cream cheese sauce. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
400 g pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
450 g boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
200 g cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Lower heat and add cream cheese, stirring until it starts to melt. Pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking until smooth.
Stir in oregano and basil. Return chicken to skillet and coat with sauce.
Add cooked pasta and mix well. Stir in mozzarella and parmesan until melted and fully combined.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Use chicken thighs instead of breast for more flavor and moisture.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Thin the sauce with extra milk if it gets too thick during reheating.
