If you’re craving that magical comfort-food combo of golden-brown crunch and soul-hugging creaminess, Creamy Crunchy Chicken Pasta is about to steal a permanent place in your recipe rotation. This irresistible dish brings together perfectly cooked penne, juicy chicken, and a decadent blend of creamy cheeses, all blanketed under a buttery, crunchy topping that shatters with every forkful. It’s the ultimate family-style dinner, equally beloved by kids and grownups, and guaranteed to vanish from the table in record time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The real beauty of Creamy Crunchy Chicken Pasta is that it comes together with simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each one is chosen for a reason—whether it’s to add richness, contribute that signature crunch, or pack in flavor from the very first bite.
- Penne pasta: Its tubular shape is perfect for catching all that creamy sauce in every mouthful.
- Olive oil: Adds subtle flavor and keeps the chicken beautifully moist as it cooks.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and the perfect forkful.
- Garlic powder: An easy seasoning for the chicken that infuses every chunk with gentle garlic flavor.
- Paprika: Lends a warm color and depth to the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors in both the chicken and the sauce.
- Butter: The base of your creamy sauce and the crunchy topping, butter adds both flavor and richness.
- Fresh garlic (minced): For deep, aromatic flavor that’s impossible to duplicate with powder alone.
- All-purpose flour: This thickens your sauce to a luscious, velvety texture.
- Whole milk: Provides a creamy, balanced foundation for the sauce without making it too heavy.
- Heavy cream: The secret weapon for over-the-top silkiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty character and helps the sauce cling to every piece of pasta.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers that iconic stretchy, gooey factor.
- Sour cream: Brightens everything with a subtle tang and keeps the sauce ultra-smooth.
- Crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz): For the must-have crunchy topping with a toasted, buttery flair.
- Melted butter: Coats the cracker crumbs so they turn perfectly golden and crisp.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): The final pop of freshness and color.
How to Make Creamy Crunchy Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your penne pasta. Cook until al dente, following the timing on your package instructions—this little detail helps the pasta maintain its perfect bite, even after baking. Drain well and set it aside; you’ll want it ready to toss into that luscious sauce soon.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high and swirl in the olive oil. Season your chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then add them to the shimmering oil. Let them cook undisturbed for a bit so you get those golden edges, then stir until the chicken is just cooked through and still juicy. Scoop the chicken out and set it to the side—you’re now ready to build your sauce in the very same pan to capture all those flavors.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in your skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle just for a minute—your kitchen will smell incredible! Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, whisking constantly to create a pale, bubbling roux (about a minute). Slowly stream in the milk and heavy cream, whisking so no lumps remain, and keep stirring until the sauce thickens to where it generously coats the back of a spoon (about 4–5 minutes). Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and sour cream, melting everything together into an unforgettably creamy, tangy, cheesy base.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken to the skillet of silky sauce, and stir everything gently but thoroughly. You want every piece to be enveloped in creaminess. If things look a touch too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up—it should look like it’s just barely too saucy, since it’ll thicken a bit in the oven.
Step 5: Prepare and Top the Bake
Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading out the mixture evenly. In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter and mix until all crumbs are coated. This is where your Creamy Crunchy Chicken Pasta really gets its personality: sprinkle that topping generously and evenly over the entire surface, ensuring every bite will get a bit of crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your casserole into a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, just long enough for the topping to turn golden and the cheese underneath to bubble. If you’re a fan of an extra-deep crunch, place it under the broiler for an additional 2–3 minutes, but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. Finish with fresh parsley if you like a touch of green, then bring it to the table piping hot and ready to scoop.
How to Serve Creamy Crunchy Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A generous shower of chopped fresh parsley instantly brightens your Creamy Crunchy Chicken Pasta, cutting through the richness and adding a garden-fresh note. For special occasions, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a little lemon zest can take it over the top.
Side Dishes
Because this pasta is so hearty and loaded with flavor, a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a beautiful contrast. Roasted broccoli, green beans, or even steamed peas pair perfectly, offering freshness and color without overpowering the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, try baking the pasta in individual ramekins for personal-sized Creamy Crunchy Chicken Pasta servings—it’s as charming as it is delicious. For extra flair, serve the casserole straight from a cast iron skillet or add a scattering of sun-dried tomatoes or crispy bacon bits just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Crunchy Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The topping stays crisp for the first day but softens a little after that—it’s still every bit as tasty!
Freezing
You can prepare this dish up to the final baking step, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, and add the crunchy topping fresh right before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover leftovers with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, which keeps the pasta tender and the sauce creamy. For an extra crisp topping, remove the foil for the last few minutes or run it under the broiler briefly.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for catching the creamy sauce, any short, sturdy pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli will work beautifully in Creamy Crunchy Chicken Pasta.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can swap in half and half for the heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheeses or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. The texture changes a bit, but the flavors remain creamy and comforting.
What can I use instead of buttery crackers?
Panko breadcrumbs are an excellent alternative, bringing just as much crunch to your Creamy Crunchy Chicken Pasta. You could also use crushed cornflakes or even homemade croutons for a twist.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed spinach with the chicken and pasta for some color and extra nutrition. It’s a great way to customize Creamy Crunchy Chicken Pasta to your family’s taste.
Can I make Creamy Crunchy Chicken Pasta ahead for a crowd?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, store it tightly covered in the fridge, and bake it right before serving. Just remember to add the crunchy topping just before baking for maximum crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Crunchy Chicken Pasta brings together everything you love in a comforting meal: rich cheese sauce, juicy chicken, and an unforgettable golden topping. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to some next-level leftovers, this recipe is a keeper. Give it a try and see why it’s destined to become a new favorite at your table!
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Creamy Crunchy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Crunchy Chicken Pasta recipe. Tender penne pasta and seasoned chicken are smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce, topped with a buttery cracker crust for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Topping:
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook penne pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season and cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and cream. Stir in cheeses and sour cream until creamy.
- Combine and Bake: Add pasta and chicken to the sauce, transfer to a baking dish. Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Broil or bake until golden and crunchy.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Add steamed broccoli or peas for a veggie boost.
- For extra crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of crackers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
