Creamy Chicken & Veggie Pasta

This rich and creamy pasta dish is packed with tender chicken strips, colorful vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers, and tossed in a flavorful, velvety sauce that coats every bite. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a cozy lunch.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 250g (about 8 oz) penne or rigatoni pasta

• Salt for boiling water

For the Chicken & Vegetables:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 small carrot, thinly sliced (optional)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

• 1 cup heavy cream or cooking cream

• ½ cup milk

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried herbs

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp tomato paste or a splash of marinara sauce (optional for color and flavor)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

• Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

• Sear chicken pieces until golden and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the Veggies

• In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.

• Sauté bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still vibrant. Remove and set aside with the chicken.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

• Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic.

• Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute (optional step for a thicker sauce).

• Pour in cream and milk, stirring constantly.

• Add Parmesan, Italian seasoning, tomato paste (if using), salt, and pepper.

• Let the sauce simmer gently until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.

5. Combine Everything

• Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and veggies back to the skillet.

• Toss everything together until fully coated in the sauce.

• Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with extra grated cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

• Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad.

• Perfect for meal prep—store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Optional Add-ins

• Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini

• A touch of chili flakes for heat

• Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for variation

Why This Recipe Works

This pasta dish brings together the perfect trio:
protein-rich chicken, fiber-packed vegetables, and a creamy, herb-infused sauce that binds everything together. It’s ideal for:

• Quick weeknight dinners

• Family meals with picky eaters

• Meal prep for lunches

• Anyone craving comfort food with a healthy twist

It’s balanced, colorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Customizations and Substitutions

No two pasta dishes have to be the same. Here’s how to make it your own:

• Swap the protein: Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu instead of chicken

• Go vegetarian: Omit the chicken and double the veggies or add chickpeas

• Lighten it up: Use half cream and half broth, or Greek yogurt instead of cream

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and a cornstarch slurry instead of flour

• Dairy-free: Replace cream and cheese with oat cream or coconut milk and nutritional yeast

This recipe is flexible and forgiving—perfect for adapting to your kitchen and diet.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Pasta Every Time

• Cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy when combined with sauce

• Don’t overcook the vegetables—they should stay vibrant and slightly crisp

• Season the chicken generously before cooking for the best flavor

• If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen it

• Finish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish

Make-Ahead & Storage

This creamy pasta is excellent for prepping in advance:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days

• Freezer: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month

• Reheating: Add a splash of milk or water and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave

Perfect for busy weeks, lunchboxes, or batch cooking on Sunday.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Make it a full meal with these delicious sides:

• Garlic bread or herbed flatbread

• Caesar salad or green side salad with vinaigrette

• Roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or carrots

• A glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc

• Sparkling water with lemon or cucumber for a refreshing non-alcoholic option

This dish works great for dinners, small gatherings, or potluck contributions.

Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved

The mild creamy sauce and tender chicken make this recipe especially appealing to children. Here’s how to make it even more kid-friendly:

• Cut veggies into small, bite-sized pieces

• Use fun-shaped pasta like fusilli or bow-ties

• Let kids help stir the sauce or add cheese on top

• Add a sprinkle of grated mozzarella for extra cheesiness

It’s a dish the whole family will love—and you’ll love how easy it is.

Make It a One-Pot Pasta

For ultimate convenience, you can turn this recipe into a one-pot pasta dish:

• Sear the chicken, then remove and set aside.

• In the same pot, add pasta, broth, cream, and uncooked vegetables.

• Simmer everything together, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.

• Return the chicken to the pot in the final few minutes.

This method saves time and dishes, and creates ultra-flavorful pasta since everything cooks in the same creamy base.

How to Add Even More Vegetables

Want to boost the nutritional value? These veggies work beautifully in creamy pasta:

• Zucchini – mild and tender when cooked

• Spinach – wilts quickly and blends seamlessly into the sauce

• Green peas – add sweetness and color

• Mushrooms – earthy flavor that complements the cream

• Cherry tomatoes – burst with juice and brighten the dish

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and sneak in extra nutrition.

Impress Guests with This Dish

Although it’s simple enough for everyday dinners, this pasta is elegant enough for guests:

• Serve in shallow bowls with a swirl of sauce and a garnish of parmesan and herbs

• Add a side of fresh focaccia or roasted garlic bread

• Offer a starter salad and finish with a light dessert like panna cotta or lemon sorbet

• Plate with a drizzle of basil oil or chili oil for restaurant-quality flair

It’s the kind of dish that looks and tastes gourmet—without the stress.

Perfect for Meal Prep & Batch Cooking

This creamy pasta is a meal prep dream:

• Make a large batch and portion into containers

• Use microwave-safe containers with a divider for salad or veggies

• It stays fresh for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully

• You can even freeze portions without the pasta, then cook fresh pasta when reheating

Great for busy professionals, students, or anyone who wants homemade comfort fast.

Texture Boosters to Try

Want a little crunch or richness on top? Try these tasty finishing touches:

• Toasted breadcrumbs or crushed garlic croutons

• Chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for texture

• Crispy bacon bits or turkey bacon

• Shaved parmesan or aged cheddar

• Fresh herbs like basil, chives, or dill for a flavor pop

These small upgrades take the dish from everyday to extra-special.

Flavor Enhancers and Secret Ingredients

Here are a few ideas to boost the flavor profile of your creamy pasta:

• Add a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan before adding cream

• Stir in a spoonful of pesto or sun-dried tomato paste

• Add a dash of nutmeg or paprika to enhance the creaminess

• Use a cube of chicken bouillon or a spoon of concentrated broth

• Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the richness

Even one of these additions can transform the dish into something memorable.

What to Pair with Creamy Chicken & Veggie Pasta

This one-pan pasta dish is as cozy as it is colorful, blending tender chicken with vibrant vegetables and a rich, creamy sauce. To round out the plate, you can serve it with a side of greens or a garlic-forward companion dish.

Try it with our Creamy Garlic Chicken with Roasted Baby Potatoes — it offers that same rustic creaminess and oven-roasted warmth, making it a fantastic pairing or meal plan follow-up.