Description:
Chicken Pappardelle is a rustic and comforting Italian pasta dish that features wide ribbons of pappardelle pasta coated in a creamy garlic-parmesan sauce, tender sautéed chicken, and a blend of herbs and vegetables. This dish is rich, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500g)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup (240 ml) heavy crea
½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
1 tsp dried thyme or fresh
Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta:
250–300g pappardelle pasta (fresh or dry)
Optional Add-ins:
1 cup baby spinach or chopped kale
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
Zest of 1 lemon
Garnish:
Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pappardelle according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and sauté garlic and onion until soft (about 2–3 minutes).
Stir in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Then add heavy cream and let it bubble for 2 minutes.
Add Parmesan, thyme, chili flakes, and optional sun-dried tomatoes or greens. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine:
Add the cooked pappardelle and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
5. Serve:
Divide into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – approx.):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~620 kcal
Protein 36 g
Carbs 48 g
Fat 32 g
Saturated Fat 16 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 4 g
Sodium 680 mg
Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on exact ingredients and portion size.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
A: Absolutely. Just slice or shred it and add to the sauce at the end to heat through.
Q: Can this be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, but the sauce thickens as it sits. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
Q: Can I make it without cream?
A: You can use half-and-half, whole milk with a cornstarch slurry, or even a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.
Q: What can I substitute for pappardelle?
A: Tagliatelle, fettuccine, or even linguine work well if you can’t find pappardelle.
Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately a
nd cook fresh pasta when serving.