Craving a comforting meal that’s quick to make and sure to please everyone at the table? Look no further than this Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Gather your ingredients and get ready for a delicious meal in no time!
Steps
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- While the vegetables cook, slice the chicken breasts into strips and season them with salt and pepper. Increase the skillet’s heat to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken strips. Sear the chicken for 6-8 minutes, turning once to ensure they become golden brown on each side.
- Add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring until the cream cheese has melted and is well combined with the broth. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and vegetables, then cover the skillet.
- Reduce the heat and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the cream cheese chicken and mushroom mixture over steamed rice. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 8 oz. white button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 oz. regular or reduced-fat plain cream cheese
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ to ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Steamed brown or white rice
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1744 | Total Fat: 76g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Trans Fat: 0g | Unsaturated Fat: 36g | Cholesterol: 700mg | Sodium: 1904mg | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 12g | Protein: 228g
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
- Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with grated Parmesan if you prefer. It will give the dish a different flavor but will still complement the creamy sauce well.
- What can I use if I don’t have chicken broth?
- If chicken broth is not available, you can use vegetable broth or even water as a substitute to maintain the dish’s consistency and flavor.
- Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
- While this recipe is focused on chicken, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting chicken with tofu or your favorite meat substitute and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- How should I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
- Can I freeze the leftover chicken and cream cheese dish?
- Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may not retain its creamy texture when thawed and reheated.
- What side dishes go well with cream cheese chicken?
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, polenta, or mashed potatoes. For vegetables, consider steamed broccoli, peas, or roasted vegetables as a complement to the creamy chicken.
Tips
- Slice Chicken for Even Cooking: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips to ensure they cook evenly and more quickly. This also helps stretch the chicken to serve more people.
- Enhance the Sauce: If you love a saucier dish or are using more chicken, consider increasing the amount of cream cheese and chicken broth. This will ensure every piece is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Reheat with Care: When reheating leftovers, slice the chicken into smaller pieces to ensure even warming. Add a splash of chicken broth if reheating on the stove to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.
- Quick Rice Option: For a speedy side dish, try using a microwaveable rice like VeeTee, which cooks in just 2 minutes, to save time without compromising on taste.
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – Essential for cooking the chicken and sauce.
- Meat Thermometer – Useful to ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature (165°F).
- Chef’s Knife – Needed for chopping onions, slicing mushrooms, and cutting chicken into strips.
