Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Stovetop · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.Quick Answer
This Creamy Philadelphia Chicken Pasta is a delightful, comforting dish that combines tender chicken and creamy sauce with al dente pasta.When the leaves start to turn vibrant hues, and the crisp air of New York City fills the streets, I find solace in comforting home-cooked meals. As we gear up for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, this Creamy Philadelphia Chicken Pasta has quickly become a go-to recipe in my kitchen. It's not just easy to whip together on a busy weeknight; it also makes a delightful dish to serve to friends and family around the holiday table. Grab a cozy sweater, gather your ingredients, and let's dive into the comforting embrace of this pasta dish!
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and creamy sauce that brings comfort on chilly evenings.
- Versatile dish that can easily accommodate various vegetables and flavors.
- Ideal for serving at holiday gatherings or cozy dinners with friends and family.
- Leftovers store well, making it a great choice for meal prep.
Ingredients
Here's everything you'll need to create this delicious Creamy Philadelphia Chicken Pasta:
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 300g (about 10.5 oz) of penne pasta
Creamy Sauce
- 250g (about 8.8 oz) of Philadelphia cream cheese
- 1 cup of chicken broth
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Philadelphia Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Let's get cooking this cozy dish that's perfect for any gathering!
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. As the pasta dances in the bubbling water, it fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma that's pure nostalgia.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The sizzling sound of the chicken hitting the hot oil is music to my ears! Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. The sweet aroma of garlic fills the air, promising flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, then add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the Philadelphia cream cheese, stirring until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. At this moment, everything comes together beautifully-the sauce is silky, and the flavors meld harmoniously.
Step 5: Mix in the Pasta
Drain the cooked penne and add it to the skillet, tossing everything together until every piece of pasta is coated in that creamy goodness. The vibrant color of the pasta against the creamy sauce is simply irresistible.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately. As you take your first bite, the warmth of the creamy sauce wraps around you, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Ensure you cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- Not Resting the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking locks in the juices, preventing dryness.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Don't shy away from seasoning the chicken and sauce adequately; it's essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For an extra pop of flavor, consider adding a hint of freshly grated parmesan cheese to the sauce just before mixing in the pasta.
- If you want to incorporate some greens, toss in some fresh spinach or broccoli just before serving-it's an easy way to add color and nutrients.
- This dish can be prepped ahead of time. Just store the cooked pasta and sauce separately, then combine and heat when you're ready to serve.
Variations
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or grilled vegetables for a different protein option.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for an extra burst of flavor.
- Incorporate different cheeses, like mozzarella or goat cheese, for varied taste.
How to Serve
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve with garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.
- Pair with a light salad for a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Offer grated cheese on the side for those who enjoy an extra cheesy dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Store the cooked pasta and sauce separately, then combine and heat when ready to serve.
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce is too thick.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the texture of cream cheese after thawing.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Cooking this Creamy Philadelphia Chicken Pasta reminded me just how important seasonings are-don't skip that salt and pepper! I love how versatile this dish is; it can easily adapt to whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it perfect for holiday leftovers!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 plate
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~550 calories · 30g protein · 60g carbs · 20g fat
Recipe by:
Delicious Creamy Philadelphia Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, then add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the Philadelphia cream cheese, stirring until it melts and creates a creamy sauce.
- Drain the cooked penne and add it to the skillet, tossing everything together until every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the creamy sauce, you can swap it for any pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.
2. Is there a vegetarian alternative for chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or a medley of vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
3. How can I make this recipe spicy?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or using spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken.
4. Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
It's best to avoid freezing the dish because cream cheese can change texture when thawed. However, you can freeze just the sauce and reheat it with freshly cooked pasta later.
5. How can I customize the recipe to my taste?
You can easily add your favorite vegetables, different herbs, or even swap out the cream cheese for another creamy cheese, like mascarpone or ricotta, to give it a personal twist!
