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When I want something tasty but don’t have much time, I love making chicken strips tossed with noodles in a creamy sauce. It’s super quick, feels filling, and the mix of tender chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce always just hits the spot. No big prep needed—just throw it all together and you’re set.
I first threw this together during a hectic workday and couldn’t believe how easy it was. Now, whenever I crave something comfy but simple, this is what I make. It’s become a regular for me.
Tasty Ingredients
- Pasta: Fills you up and grabs onto the sauce. Penne or swirly noodles work great.
- Chicken breast: Use it fresh for extra juicy strips of meat.
- Onion: Brings a bit of sweet flavor. Pick ones that look shiny and feel nice and firm.
- Olive oil: Use a splash (extra virgin if you’ve got it) to add a tasty, toasty flavor.
- Garlic: Gives a bold punch. Fresh garlic, chopped up fine, is best.
- Cream: Makes everything smooth and dreamy. Choose good stuff from your area if you can.
- Salt: Pulls all the flavors together. Sea salt is awesome for this.
- Pepper: Adds a little zing. Grinding it fresh boosts the peppery kick.
- Parsley: Brings color and lifts the dish. Flat parsley works well here.
Simple Step-by-step
- Finish it up:
- Toss in the drained noodles to your chicken and sauce. Mix well till everything’s coated. If you need to thin the sauce, add a splash of pasta water until it’s just right.
- Season to taste:
- Shake in salt and a bit of freshly ground pepper. Start slow and add more if you need it—the trick is not to overdo it.
- Pour in that cream sauce:
- Drizzle cream over the chicken and onions. Stir it well and let it bubble for a couple minutes till it gets nice and thick.
- Brown the chicken:
- Slice your chicken breast into strips and throw them in the heated pan. Sear on all sides until the chicken isn’t pink anymore and you spot that golden color.
- Get your flavors going:
- Warm up a splash of olive oil in a big pan. Dice the garlic and onions, cook on medium for about eight minutes so they turn soft and smell great.
- Boil those noodles:
- Cook pasta in salty, boiling water by the packet instructions. Give it a stir now and then so it doesn’t stick together.
- Time to serve:
- Sprinkle over some chopped parsley. Dish it right up from the pan, pass out plates, and dig in while it’s hot.
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Good to know
Packed with protein, this meal keeps you satisfied. It warms up really well if you have leftovers for the next day. Cream plus pasta water gives the sauce that rich texture. My favorite bit? The tasty browned edges on the chicken. My kid can’t get enough of the parsley—I always toss in extra! We usually make double ’cause everyone’s hoping for another helping the next day.
Keeping leftovers fresh
Just cover and pop any leftovers in the fridge and they’ll last you up to two days. Reheat in the microwave or a nonstick pan—add a splash of water so nothing dries out. If you want to freeze it, stash the pasta and sauce in separate containers so it stays super creamy after thawing.
Swaps and switches
Chicken breast is great, but turkey breast or even salmon works too. If you’re cooking veggie, sautéed zucchini or mushrooms are totally yummy substitutes. And for dairy-free, grab your favorite oat-based cream for that same silky texture.
Serving ideas
A fresh salad on the side wakes things up. If you want it extra hearty, grate a little parmesan on top. For a fancier touch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or zip it up with lemon zest before serving.
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Backstory
Saucy pasta dishes like this come from casual family-style Italian food. These days, mixing cream sauce, seared meat, and noodles is a favorite all over Europe. Whether you’re prepping for a regular meal or getting together with family, it’s the kind of thing that reminds people of cozy Italian nights at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep chicken juicy?
Only cook the strips until they’re just done and still moist. If you keep them in the pan too long, they’ll dry out fast.
- → What kind of noodles work best?
Grab some penne or fusilli since they grab onto the sauce, but spaghetti works too if that’s what you have.
- → Is there a swap for cream?
You can use crème fraîche, some cream cheese, or stir a little milk with flour for a lighter touch.
- → When should I add the parsley?
Sprinkle chopped parsley right before you serve so it tastes super fresh.
- → How else can I change this meal up?
Toss in colorful extras like peas, bell pepper, or mushrooms for more flavor and crunch.