The secret to the rich, velvety sauce in this creamy chicken pasta recipe lies in a humble, yet incredibly effective shortcut: shop-bought garlic and herb soft cheese. You might already have a tub tucked away in your fridge, ready to transform an ordinary dish into something truly comforting and flavourful. This ready-made soft cheese not only melts beautifully into the pasta, but also infuses the dish with a well-balanced mix of herbs and gentle garlic notes, eliminating the need to chop fresh herbs or prepare a separate sauce from scratch.
For the best results, be sure to use a full-fat version of the cheese—this ensures the sauce stays smooth and luscious without splitting during cooking. Its creamy consistency and built-in seasoning work wonders, creating a deliciously rich base that brings all the components of the dish together in just minutes. It’s a clever, time-saving addition that delivers maximum flavour with minimal effort.
Each generous serving of this dish delivers approximately 502 kilocalories, making it a satisfying option for a balanced meal. It’s packed with 39 grams of protein, which supports muscle repair and helps keep you feeling full. The dish also provides 27 grams of carbohydrates, including just 2 grams of sugars, offering a steady source of energy without excess sweetness. With 25.9 grams of fat, of which 11.5 grams are saturates, the richness contributes to the creamy texture and flavor—particularly if you’re using full-fat soft cheese as suggested.
Additionally, each portion contains 1.4 grams of dietary fibre to aid digestion and 0.69 grams of salt, which keeps the seasoning balanced without being overly salty. This nutritional profile makes it a hearty, flavourful meal that still fits within many daily dietary guidelines.
Creamy chicken pasta- ingredient list!
Here’s a quick and easy list of all the ingredients you’ll need to bring this delicious meal to life. Each one plays a role in creating a dish that’s not only simple to prepare but also bursting with rich, satisfying flavor. From pantry staples to a few fresh additions, these ingredients come together effortlessly to deliver a meal that’s comforting, full of taste, and sure to impress.
Ingredient list;
350g/12oz of short pasta, like fusilli or penne
Two tablespoons of olive oil
One leek, sliced thinly
One finely chopped garlic clove, two thinly sliced chicken breast fillets, 150g/5½oz of leafy greens (chard, cavolo nero, or kale), chopped 150g/5½oz of full-fat garlic, and herb cream cheese
50g/1¾oz of freshly ground black pepper, grated salt, and Parmesan
Creamy chicken pasta- step by step instruction method!
Step 1
Begin by bringing a large saucepan of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, or until it is just tender—al dente, with a slight bite in the center. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, carefully drain it using a colander.
Step 2
Before discarding the water, be sure to reserve about 150ml (5fl oz) of the starchy cooking water. This liquid gold can be added back into the sauce later to help loosen it and create a silky, well-emulsified texture that clings beautifully to the pasta. Set the pasta and reserved water aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3
Meanwhile, while the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan or a shallow casserole dish set over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the sliced leek, finely chopped garlic, and pieces of chicken to the pan. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, stirring continuously to ensure the ingredients cook evenly and don’t stick to the bottom. The leeks should begin to soften and become slightly translucent, while the garlic releases its aroma and the chicken starts to turn golden on the outside. This step helps build the savory base of the dish, layering in flavor from the very beginning.
Step 4
After adding the greens, generously season with salt and pepper. To soften the greens, cook for an additional five minutes. Once the chicken is lightly golden and the leeks are tender, reduce the heat slightly and add the garlicky herb soft cheese directly to the pan. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently stir the mixture, allowing the cheese to melt into the leeks and chicken. It will begin to form a rich, creamy sauce. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring continuously to combine.
Step 5
This helps to loosen the sauce and create a smooth, velvety consistency that will coat the pasta beautifully. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, just enough to ensure the sauce thickens slightly and all the flavors meld together. Be careful not to let it boil too vigorously, as this could cause the cheese to split.
Step 6
Next, sprinkle in 35g (1¼oz) of finely grated Parmesan cheese and stir it through the warm, creamy sauce. As it melts, the Parmesan will enhance the richness and add a lovely savoury depth to the dish. Continue stirring gently until the cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and glossy. Once the cheese has melted, add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing it through the sauce to ensure each strand or piece is evenly coated.
Step 7
Allow everything to warm through for a minute or two over low heat so the pasta absorbs some of the sauce and the dish comes together beautifully. Finally, season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the balance to suit your preference. The result is a comforting, creamy pasta full of rich flavour and satisfying textures.
Step 8
Distribute among four dishes and garnish with the leftover Parmesan cheese.
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