If you’re craving a comforting yet elegant pasta dish, the Creamy Chicken Artichoke Pasta Recipe is your perfect go-to. This recipe blends tender chicken, briny artichoke hearts, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce to create a harmonious medley of flavors and textures that’s both satisfying and quick to whip up. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this pasta dish promises to become a beloved favorite with its rich, creamy indulgence and vibrant character.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish combines simple, quality ingredients that each play an important role in the final flavor and texture. From the tender chicken providing hearty protein to the artichoke hearts introducing a unique tangy earthiness, every element shines in this recipe.
- Fusilli pasta, 10.5 ounces: Its spiral shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly in every bite.
- Diced chicken breast, 2 cups: Provides lean protein and soaks up the flavors beautifully.
- Chopped artichoke hearts, 1 cup: Adds a pleasantly tangy and tender contrast.
- Heavy cream, 1/2 cup: Creates the luscious, velvety base of the sauce.
- Minced garlic cloves, 2: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup: Delivers nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Artichoke Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; salting ensures your pasta has great flavor from the inside out. Add the fusilli and cook just until al dente so the pasta maintains a satisfying bite that complements the creamy sauce. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté Chicken and Garlic
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and golden, which builds a flavorful foundation. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, sealing in the juices that keep each bite tender and moist.
Step 3: Add Artichoke Hearts
Next, stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and cook for another couple of minutes. This step lets the artichokes warm through and marry their briny, slightly nutty flavor with the chicken.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and let everything simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes. During this time, the sauce thickens beautifully, developing a rich texture that clings to every piece of pasta and chicken.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Carefully fold the cooked fusilli into the sauce, tossing well to ensure every spiral is evenly coated. The result is a glossy, creamy pasta dish that bursts with flavor in every forkful. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Artichoke Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and, if you like, add a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a bright herbal note. A crack of fresh black pepper also adds gentle spice that enhances the creaminess.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh sides such as a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or garlicky sautéed spinach. Crusty bread or buttery garlic knots also make excellent companions, perfect for mopping up any luscious sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the pasta in wide shallow bowls to showcase its creamy sauce, and add a few roasted artichoke hearts on top as decoration. Drizzle a light splash of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the richness and add a lovely sheen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Artichoke Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, but the pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so adding a splash of cream or milk when reheating helps restore the original creaminess.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after thawing. To freeze, cool the pasta completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta slowly on low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream or broth to revive the silky texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or curdling, and heat until just warmed through to enjoy it as close as possible to freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fusilli is ideal for holding onto the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or farfalle would also work beautifully. Just choose a pasta shape with grooves or twists to trap the creamy goodness.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
You can use half-and-half combined with a bit of cream cheese for a lighter sauce, or coconut cream for a dairy-free twist, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different from the classic.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers to keep the dish hearty and delicious while maintaining that creamy richness.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce gently for a bit longer to reduce liquid or add an extra 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan. Be cautious not to overcook pasta or sauce during this process to prevent dryness.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s great for meal prepping as it reheats well with the tips mentioned above. Just keep the pasta slightly undercooked if you’re making it ahead to avoid it becoming mushy after reheating.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Chicken Artichoke Pasta Recipe truly delivers. Its rich sauce, tender chicken, and artichoke hearts come together in a way that’s both comforting and special. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you’ll be amazed at how easily it becomes a new favorite for you and anyone lucky enough to share it.
Print
Creamy Chicken Artichoke Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Artichoke Pasta is a quick and delicious 30-minute meal featuring tender chicken, tangy artichoke hearts, and a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce tossed with fusilli pasta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 cups diced chicken breast
- 1 cup chopped artichoke hearts
Pasta
- 10.5 ounces fusilli pasta
Dairy and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt (for pasta water)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Chicken and Garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until it turns golden brown and is cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add Artichokes: Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through and blend the flavors.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Toss with Pasta: Gently fold the cooked fusilli pasta into the skillet, tossing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- To save time, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast.
- You can substitute artichoke hearts with canned or frozen, just be sure to drain and chop them.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh brightness.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten free if needed.
