Creamy Chicken or Turkey with Pasta
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken or Turkey with Pasta recipe, a versatile dish perfect for repurposing leftover turkey or creating a hearty meal with chicken. Tender pieces of meat are enveloped in a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce, delicately seasoned with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs. This rich and flavorful sauce pairs beautifully with your choice of pasta—whether it's penne, fettuccine, or another favorite—making every bite irresistibly satisfying. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley adding a vibrant finishing touch. Perfectly creamy, deliciously cheesy, and irresistibly easy to make, this pasta dish is sure to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams chicken breast or cooked turkey
- 400 grams pasta (penne, fettuccine, or similar)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 500 milliliters chicken or turkey stock
- 250 milliliters heavy cream
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
If using raw chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. If using cooked turkey, proceed to the next step.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the chicken or turkey stock, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken for about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until creamy and smooth.
Return the cooked chicken or turkey to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley (if using), and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3191 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 185.4 g | 238% | |
| Saturated Fat | 91.4 g | 457% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 818 mg | 273% | |
| Sodium | 5501 mg | 239% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 151.6 g | 55% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.6 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.3 g | ||
| Protein | 205.3 g | 411% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 725 mg | 56% | |
| Iron | 8.9 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 1864 mg | 40% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
