Description
This easy chicken pasta recipe (no cream!) is your go-to for a light yet indulgent dinner. With juicy seared chicken, garlicky white wine sauce, and perfectly cheesy pasta, it’s a one-pan wonder ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 – 2 chicken breasts (or thighs, see notes)
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
200 grams dried pasta, spaghetti or fettuccine work best (or 300 grams fresh pasta)
For the sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic finely sliced
½ cup white wine I used a sauvignon blanc
70 grams cold butter cut into four cubes
½ teaspoon black pepper
60 grams parmesan very finely grated
½ cup flat leaf parsley finely chopped
salt to taste
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta in salted water, undercooking by 1 minute. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.Prep the Chicken
Flatten the chicken to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper, then dust with flour.Sear the Chicken
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken in olive oil for about 2 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Wrap lightly in foil and set aside to rest.Infuse the Garlic Oil
In a clean skillet, add olive oil and garlic. Start from cold and heat gently to infuse flavor, cooking just until fragrant—about 30 seconds.Add Wine and Reduce
Pour in white wine and let it simmer gently for about 4 minutes, reducing by half.Incorporate Butter
Lower heat and whisk in butter cubes one at a time, until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.Finish the Sauce
Add ¼ cup pasta water and whisk vigorously to emulsify. Stir in black pepper.Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss cooked pasta into the sauce. Spread into a flat layer and sprinkle parmesan over the top. Let it melt for 1 minute, then toss to create a glossy finish.Serve
Mix in parsley, season to taste, and top with sliced chicken and extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
Butter Sauce Tip: Use cold butter for proper emulsification. If it’s too warm, the sauce may break.
Wine Substitute: Use low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer to skip wine.
Pasta Water Magic: This starchy liquid helps bind and thicken your sauce—don’t skip it!
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of water when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Easy Chicken Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: easy chicken pasta recipes no cream, creamy pasta without cream, garlic butter chicken pasta, no cream pasta dish, light pasta recipes