Chicken Artichoke Pasta
Chicken Artichoke Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and comforting dish combining tender chicken breasts, tangy artichoke hearts, and your choice of pasta all tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy meals, this recipe balances rich and fresh flavors in under 30 minutes.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Can be gluten free if gluten-free pasta is used
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped (fresh or canned)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
Dairy & Fats
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Herbs & Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Artichokes: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add butter and sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add chopped artichoke hearts and cook for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half while stirring frequently. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, forming a rich sauce.
- Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and return them to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss all ingredients together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired sauce consistency. Stir in fresh herbs and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Reserve pasta water as it helps loosen and bind the sauce.
- Use quality fresh or canned/frozen artichokes for best flavor.
- Fresh herbs brighten and elevate the dish significantly.
- Stir gently to preserve pasta texture and prevent breaking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
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