Ultimate Homemade Chicken Pasta: Creamy Scratch-Made Dinner Recipe
Ultimate Homemade Chicken Pasta: Creamy Scratch-Made Dinner Recipe
There’s something truly special about homemade pasta that store-bought versions can’t match. This ultimate chicken pasta recipe combines tender chicken with fresh, scratch-made pasta in a creamy sauce that will become your new family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with simple, wholesome ingredients.
What makes this recipe stand out is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The homemade pasta has that satisfying chewiness you crave, while the creamy sauce clings beautifully to every strand. This is comfort food at its finest – warm, satisfying, and made with love.
Ingredients
For the Homemade Pasta:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons water (as needed)
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Pasta Dough
Start by creating a well with the flour on a clean surface. Crack the eggs into the center, add olive oil and salt. Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the wet ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic and rest for 30 minutes.
Preparing the Chicken
While the dough rests, season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cooking the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
Rolling and Cooking Pasta
Divide dough into quarters. Roll each piece through a pasta machine or roll thinly with a rolling pin. Cut into fettuccine or tagliatelle shapes. Cook in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until al dente.
Assembling the Dish
Drain pasta and add directly to the sauce along with the cooked chicken. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Homemade Pasta
Pasta Dough Consistency: The dough should feel like your earlobe – firm but pliable. If it’s too dry, add water one teaspoon at a time. Too sticky? Add flour sparingly.
Chicken Preparation: For extra tender chicken, brine the cubes in salted water for 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures moist, flavorful chicken every time.
Sauce Perfection: Don’t boil the cream sauce vigorously – a gentle simmer prevents curdling and maintains the smooth texture. If you’re looking for more hearty chicken dishes, try our Easy Chicken and Dumplings with Biscuits for another comforting meal option.
Pasta Cooking: Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried – watch it carefully! The perfect al dente texture should have a slight bite in the center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pasta instead? Yes, though homemade pasta has superior texture. If using dried pasta, cook according to package directions and reduce sauce quantity slightly as dried pasta absorbs less sauce.
How can I make this dish ahead? You can prepare the pasta dough and chicken up to a day in advance. Store pasta dough wrapped in the refrigerator and chicken in an airtight container. For more make-ahead meal ideas, check out our Savory Beef Chop Casserole with Potatoes.
What sides pair well with this pasta? A simple green salad or roasted vegetables complement this rich dish perfectly. For vegetable side inspiration, our Savory Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans make an excellent accompaniment.
Can I freeze leftovers? The sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. However, fresh pasta is best enjoyed immediately. Thaw sauce overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
This homemade chicken pasta recipe proves that scratch cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little patience and quality ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your family asking for seconds. The combination of fresh pasta, tender chicken, and creamy sauce creates the ultimate comfort food experience that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ultimate Homemade Chicken Pasta: Creamy Scratch-Made Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Create a well with the flour on a clean surface. Crack the eggs into the center, add olive oil and salt. Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the wet ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic and rest for 30 minutes.
- While the dough rests, season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
- Divide dough into quarters. Roll each piece through a pasta machine or roll thinly with a rolling pin. Cut into fettuccine or tagliatelle shapes. Cook in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until al dente.
- Drain pasta and add directly to the sauce along with the cooked chicken. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan before serving.
