Ultimate Homemade Chicken Pasta: Creamy Scratch-Made Dinner Recipe
Ultimate Homemade Chicken Pasta: Creamy Scratch-Made Dinner Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating pasta from scratch that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a special occasion. This homemade chicken pasta recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with fresh, handcrafted pasta in a rich, creamy sauce that will have your family asking for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals, this dish comes together in under 45 minutes and fills your kitchen with the most amazing aromas.
What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of fresh ingredients and simple techniques that yield restaurant-quality results. The homemade pasta has a tender, delicate texture that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and creamy sauce. Whether you’re new to pasta-making or an experienced home cook, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
For the Homemade Pasta:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-2 tablespoons water (if needed)
For the Chicken and Sauce:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pasta Dough
On a clean surface or in a large bowl, create a well with the flour. Crack the eggs into the center, add olive oil and salt. Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic and rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll and Cut Pasta
Divide the dough into 4 portions. Using a rolling pin or pasta machine, roll each portion into thin sheets. Cut into desired pasta shape (fettuccine, tagliatelle, or pappardelle work well). Dust with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Cook Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare Sauce
In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Cook Pasta and Combine
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook fresh pasta for 2-3 minutes until al dente. Drain and add to the cream sauce along with the cooked chicken. Toss to combine and heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Expert Tips
• For extra flavor, use herb-infused chicken techniques to season your protein before cooking.
• Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried – watch it carefully to avoid overcooking.
• Let the pasta dough rest adequately – this relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or try a Greek yogurt-based sauce alternative.
• Always cook pasta in well-salted water – it should taste like the sea!
FAQ Section
Can I make the pasta dough in advance?
Yes! The pasta dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before rolling.
What if I don’t have a pasta machine?
No problem! A rolling pin works perfectly. Roll the dough as thin as possible, then use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut into strips.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some sauce, so add a splash of cream when reheating. For more meal prep ideas and storage tips, check out our guide.
Can I freeze homemade pasta?
Absolutely! Freeze uncooked pasta on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Cook directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to cooking time.
Ultimate Homemade Chicken Pasta: Creamy Scratch-Made Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Make the pasta dough: On a clean surface or in a large bowl, create a well with the flour. Crack the eggs into the center, add olive oil and salt. Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic and rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll and cut pasta: Divide the dough into 4 portions. Using a rolling pin or pasta machine, roll each portion into thin sheets. Cut into desired pasta shape (fettuccine, tagliatelle, or pappardelle work well). Dust with flour to prevent sticking.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare sauce: In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook pasta and combine: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook fresh pasta for 2-3 minutes until al dente. Drain and add to the cream sauce along with the cooked chicken. Toss to combine and heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
