If you have ever dreamed of combining the rich, garlicky goodness of Chicken Kiev with the comforting embrace of pasta, you are about to fall head over heels for this Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Kiev Pasta Recipe. It’s a luscious, buttery delight where tender chicken blends effortlessly with a velvety sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping, creating layers of texture and flavor in every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish promises an unforgettable culinary experience that feels both indulgent and totally approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft this decadent dish, you only need a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the silky cream that forms the sauce to the garlic and herbs that bring out bold, savory notes. Together, they make a perfectly balanced meal bursting with flavor and texture.
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or fettuccine: Pick your favorite pasta shape to soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for cooking the chicken to golden perfection while keeping it tender.
- 1½ pounds (680g) chicken breast, cubed: The star protein that soaks up all those lovely flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances every ingredient.
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, divided: The key to richness, creating that silky, comforting sauce and crispy topping.
- 5 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory punch that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs to deepen the dish’s flavor profile.
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream: This turns the sauce into the irresistibly creamy texture this recipe is named for.
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding sharp, savory complexity.
- ½ cup (30g) breadcrumbs: Toasted in butter for a crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy pasta.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the dish with color and a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Kiev Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Until Al Dente
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking your pasta until just al dente gives it the perfect texture — tender but still with a satisfying bite. Save half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this magical liquid will help loosen your sauce later and ensure it clings to every strand perfectly.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Warm olive oil in a skillet and season your cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cooking them over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through seals in the juices and infuses the dish with that classic Chicken Kiev flavor. Set the chicken aside for a moment; it’ll be reunited soon.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt most of your butter and toss in minced garlic. Let that aromatic goodness cook for about a minute until fragrant, then stir in Italian seasoning, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer this beauty until it thickens gently into a silky sauce that’s the very heart of this Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Kiev Pasta Recipe.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta into the Sauce
Return your sautéed chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything lovingly so each bite gets coated in that luscious sauce. If it feels a bit thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it to the perfect consistency. This mix of textures and flavors is where the magic really happens.
Step 5: Toast the Breadcrumbs for a Crispy Finish
In a small pan, melt the remaining butter and add the breadcrumbs. Toast them until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and get wonderfully crispy. This final touch adds an amazing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta and tender chicken, staying true to the classic dish’s delightful texture play.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish Like a Pro
Plate your pasta, generously sprinkle on the golden breadcrumbs and finish with fresh chopped parsley. This simple garnish not only adds a splash of vibrant color but also a subtle fresh flavor that lifts the whole dish.
How to Serve Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Kiev Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice for brightening the dish, but feel free to include a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. A squeeze of lemon just before serving adds a wonderful zing that complements the buttery sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This rich, comforting pasta pairs marvelously with crisp green salads like arugula or mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans also bring fresh color and texture to the plate, balancing flavors with their natural earthiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, serve the pasta in shallow bowls, letting the sauce pool enticingly underneath the chicken pieces. Scatter the toasted breadcrumbs artfully on top and consider adding a lemon wedge on the side for guests to improvise flavors. Making the dish in individual servings can turn this cozy recipe into a festive dinner party showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken as it cools; just loosen it with a splash of cream or milk before reheating to revive its luscious texture.
Freezing
Because of the cream sauce, freezing this dish isn’t highly recommended as texture can change upon thawing. However, if needed, freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately without sauce for up to 2 months, and prepare the sauce fresh when ready to serve for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently and adding a little cream or pasta water as needed to bring back that signature creaminess. Microwaving is possible but use short intervals and stir often to avoid overheating or curdling the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer extra juiciness and flavor which complement the creamy sauce beautifully. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative alongside a vegan Parmesan to keep the creamy vibe while avoiding dairy.
What pasta works best for this dish?
Spaghetti and fettuccine are classic choices because their long strands hold sauce well, but feel free to experiment with penne or rigatoni for a chunkier bite.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately in advance and combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Try sautéing spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes alongside the garlic for an easy veggie boost that blends seamlessly with the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way this Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Kiev Pasta Recipe brings comfort and elegance together in one bowl. From the tender chicken to the buttery garlic sauce and crisp breadcrumb topping, it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I promise once you try making this at home, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes to impress family or treat yourself. So grab your skillet, gather those simple ingredients, and dive into pasta perfection!
Print
Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Kiev Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Kiev Pasta combines tender, golden sautéed chicken breast with a rich, garlicky cream sauce infused with Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine and topped with buttery toasted breadcrumbs and fresh parsley, this dish offers a comforting and flavorful twist on classic Chicken Kiev flavors in a delicious pasta form.
Ingredients
Pasta & Chicken
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds (680g) chicken breast, cubed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce & Topping
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, divided
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (30g) breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set pasta aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken breast generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté until fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the Italian seasoning, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Toss Pasta and Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the cream sauce, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring frequently, until they become golden brown and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken pasta and sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and meltability.
- To add extra vegetables, consider stirring in baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms in Step 4.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Breadcrumb topping adds a nice crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy pasta.
