Creamy Chicken & Veggie Pasta is one of those dishes that has the power to turn an ordinary dinner into something you’ll remember and crave again. It’s comfort food at its finest—creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and loaded with good-for-you vegetables. Imagine tender chicken breast pieces, seared until golden and juicy, mingling with vibrant broccoli, sweet bell pepper, crisp celery, and onion, all coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce that clings lovingly to each piece of pasta. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite. This recipe doesn’t just check the “tasty” box—it’s also practical. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, but special enough for company, meaning it’s one of those rare recipes that works for both your busiest evenings and your most relaxed weekends.
This dish was born out of a desire for something balanced yet indulgent—a pasta that offers that creamy, luxurious experience without being overwhelmingly heavy. By combining fresh vegetables with lean chicken and a perfectly seasoned sauce, you get the best of both worlds: a meal that satisfies your comfort cravings while still offering plenty of nutrients. It’s also wonderfully adaptable. You can change up the vegetables depending on the season, use any pasta shape you love, and adjust the creaminess to your taste. The result is always the same: a hearty, beautiful pasta dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of the day.
Ingredients
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Butter (for sautéing)
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Fresh garlic, minced
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1.1 lb (500 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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Ground black pepper, to taste
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Salt, to taste
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Sweet paprika powder
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8.8 oz (250 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well)
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1 fresh red onion, diced
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Fresh celery, chopped
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1 fresh orange bell pepper, chopped
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Fresh broccoli florets
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Garlic powder
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1 cup (240 ml) cream
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3.5 oz (100 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
Cooking Directions
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Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
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Sauté the Chicken – In a large skillet, melt butter with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken breast pieces and season with salt, ground black pepper, and sweet paprika. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
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Cook the Vegetables – In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil. Toss in the red onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the bell pepper and broccoli, sautéing until just tender but still vibrant in color. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Make the Sauce – Lower the heat and pour in the cream, stirring gently. Let it come to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Bring It All Together – Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Serve and Enjoy – Plate the pasta while it’s hot, making sure every portion has a balance of chicken, veggies, and sauce. Finish with extra Parmesan if desired and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is more than just a pasta recipe—it’s a full sensory experience. The first forkful gives you tender, seasoned chicken, crisp yet tender vegetables, and pasta coated in silky sauce. The garlic and paprika give it warmth and depth, while the Parmesan offers that savory umami punch. It’s also wonderfully forgiving—if you have extra vegetables in your fridge, throw them in. Want more spice? Add chili flakes. Need to stretch the meal for more people? Just increase the pasta and cream. It’s a flexible, family-friendly recipe that never disappoints.
The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish
Cream-based pasta dishes have long been loved in Italian cuisine, but many of the richer versions we enjoy today are a modern adaptation that blends Old World tradition with New World abundance. In Italy, creamy sauces were often lighter, but as recipes evolved in other countries, cooks leaned into using more cream, more cheese, and more hearty add-ins like chicken and multiple vegetables. This recipe takes the classic inspiration and adapts it for busy modern kitchens by making it a one-pan wonder. You build layers of flavor step-by-step, meaning every bite tastes like it’s been simmering for hours—when in reality, you’ve made it in under 40 minutes.
Ingredient Spotlight
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Chicken Breast – Lean and protein-rich, cooking quickly and absorbing flavors beautifully.
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Olive Oil & Butter – A flavor duo that balances richness with a touch of fruitiness.
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Fresh Vegetables – Each vegetable adds its own distinct flavor, color, and nutrition.
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Paprika – Gives a sweet-smoky note that complements the creaminess.
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Cream & Parmesan – The foundation of that velvety, indulgent sauce.
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Garlic – Adds a savory depth that makes every other flavor pop.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the sauce smooth. You can also freeze portions for up to 1 month, though fresh is always best for this dish.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette works well to cut through the richness. For drinks, a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio is an excellent match.
Health Benefits
This pasta may feel indulgent, but it delivers plenty of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The chicken provides lean protein, the vegetables offer antioxidants and essential nutrients, and olive oil adds healthy fats. With a little portion control and plenty of vegetables, this can fit into a balanced diet.
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Conclusion
If you’re looking for a pasta recipe that balances indulgence with freshness, Creamy Chicken & Veggie Pasta delivers in every way. It’s creamy without being heavy, flavorful without being overpowering, and colorful enough to make any dinner table look inviting. This dish is a celebration of fresh ingredients brought together by a sauce so good you’ll want to scrape the plate clean. It’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation—it’s not just a meal, it’s a moment of comfort you’ll look forward to every single time.