Description
Creamy Crunchy Chicken Pasta is a delightful main course featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with aromatic spices, tossed in a rich, cheesy cream sauce, and topped with a crispy buttery cracker or panko breadcrumb topping baked to golden perfection. This dish balances creamy textures with a crunchy finish and is perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowties)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare and cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add cheeses and combine: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded mozzarella (or cheddar) and Parmesan cheese until melted completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine pasta and chicken with sauce: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If your skillet is oven-safe, you may leave the mixture in the skillet.
- Make the crunchy topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
- Bake or broil for crunch: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until the topping is golden and crunchy. Alternatively, you can broil for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Swap fresh chicken with rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for a faster preparation.
- Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free if needed.
- Ensure the skillet used is oven-safe if baking directly in it.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce may be less thick.
