If you're on the hunt for a quick and satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds dancing, look no further than this Creamy Chicken and White Bean Pasta! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a deliciously creamy dish that combines tender chicken, hearty white beans, and perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a rich and velvety sauce. This American classic is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fantastic way to elevate your weeknight dinners. Ready to impress your family or guests? Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season diced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add drained and rinsed white beans to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to warm the beans and blend flavors.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine with chicken and beans. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the cream slightly thickens.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While penne and fusilli work beautifully for this recipe, feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shapes for a unique twist!
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure your chicken is diced evenly for uniform cooking. A little browning adds flavor, so don’t rush the process—let it develop that golden crust!
- Garlic Care: Mince your garlic finely, but keep an eye on it while sautéing. Garlic can burn quickly, turning bitter, so sauté just until fragrant.
- Cream Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, the reserved pasta water is your best friend! Add it gradually until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Fresh Garnish: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor profile. Don’t skip this step!
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
- Leftover Magic: This dish makes for great leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or water to revive its luscious texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
