Effortless Creamy Chicken Pasta: Your New Weeknight Favorite

This Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights. Featuring succulent rotisserie chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach, all tossed with pasta in a decadent, one-ingredient cream sauce, this dish is an absolute game-changer. It’s a complete meal that comes together quickly, satisfying even the pickiest eaters.

Looking for more simple yet delicious pasta ideas? Explore other easy pasta dishes like our hearty one-pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta or the incredibly flavorful Creamy Pesto Pasta. Each offers a unique twist on pasta night, delivering comfort and taste without the fuss.

Creamy chicken pasta in a skillet with a big spoonful being lifted out to serve, showing the rich sauce and fresh ingredients. — A generous serving of our irresistible creamy chicken pasta, ready to be enjoyed.

Author’s Note

Weeknight Pasta with Restaurant-Quality Flavor!

After experiencing the magic of Boursin cheese in my baked ravioli, I was inspired to explore its potential in another creamy pasta dish. While I adore classic recipes like fettuccine alfredo, the truth is, I don’t always have the luxury of time to prepare a full, scratch-made sauce. Life gets busy, and sometimes you just need a delicious meal that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen.

This is where Boursin cheese truly shines, acting as the ultimate shortcut to a quick, flavorful, and incredibly creamy sauce. Its unique garlic and herb blend instantly infuses the dish with depth and sophistication, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet-tasting meal. You don’t need to worry about thickening agents or complex roux; Boursin does all the heavy lifting.

Simply toss in some convenient rotisserie chicken, and voilà! You have a luscious, mouth-watering pasta that the entire family will rave about. It’s ready almost as fast as opening a jar of Alfredo sauce, but with a freshness and richness that homemade dishes offer. This recipe proves that you don’t have to compromise on taste when time is short. It’s truly a win-win for busy cooks and hungry families alike!

All the fresh ingredients laid out for easy assembly: cooked chicken, fettuccine, spinach, seasonings, garlic, olive oil, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese. — A visual guide to the fresh, high-quality ingredients that make this creamy chicken pasta so special.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Pasta

Crafting this quick and flavorful Creamy Chicken Pasta requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s incredible taste and texture:

Mushrooms: Any variety will work beautifully, but for the best flavor and texture, I highly recommend baby bella or cremini mushrooms. Their earthy notes complement the rich sauce and chicken perfectly. Slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
Seasonings: We’ll use a touch of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remember to taste and adjust your seasonings carefully, as Boursin cheese already contains a good amount of salt and savory herbs.
Fettuccine: While the recipe calls for 6 ounces, this is intentionally less than a full box. Using this specific amount ensures that every strand of pasta gets perfectly coated in the luxurious sauce, providing a truly creamy experience.
Boursin Cheese: This is our secret weapon! Forget complicated cream sauces that require heavy cream, flour, or butter roux. A single package of garlic-herb flavored Boursin cheese melts down into an incredibly rich, aromatic, and velvety sauce in minutes.
Parmesan Cheese: For an unparalleled melt and robust flavor, always grate your Parmesan fresh from a block. Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting. A quality grater makes this quick and easy.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds a wonderful touch of color, a boost of nutrients, and a subtle, fresh flavor. It wilts down beautifully into the hot pasta at the very end, maintaining its vibrant appeal. You can chop it or leave it whole.
Rotisserie Chicken: The ultimate time-saver! You can purchase pre-shredded rotisserie chicken, shred one yourself from a whole bird, or even use leftover grilled chicken or baked chicken breasts. Its pre-cooked nature ensures a lightning-fast assembly.
Unsalted Butter & Olive Oil: These fats are essential for sautéing the mushrooms and garlic, building a foundational layer of flavor for the sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for aromatic depth. While jarred garlic is an option for speed, fresh cloves offer superior flavor.
Fresh Parsley (Optional): A sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley at the end adds a bright, herbaceous garnish and a pop of color.

Quick Tip: Finding Boursin Cheese

Boursin cheese is widely available and typically easy to locate at most major grocery stores. You’ll usually find it in the deli section, nestled among other specialty cheeses or gourmet spreads. If you’re having trouble, use the official Boursin store finder to check availability at your local supermarket.

Butter and olive oil melting in a skillet, followed by sliced mushrooms sautéing with seasonings for this creamy chicken pasta, showing the first steps of cooking. — The beginning of flavor: butter, oil, and mushrooms sizzling in the skillet.

Smart Shortcuts for an Even Faster Creamy Chicken Pasta

This recipe is already speedy, but with a few clever shortcuts, you can shave off even more precious minutes:

Opt for pre-sliced produce: Many grocery stores offer pre-diced onions and pre-sliced mushrooms in the produce section. This eliminates chopping time and gets you to dinner faster.
Use jarred minced garlic or a garlic press: While fresh garlic is often preferred, high-quality jarred minced garlic can be a lifesaver on busy nights. Alternatively, a garlic press makes mincing fresh cloves incredibly quick and easy.
Buy prewashed baby spinach: Pre-washed bags of baby spinach bypass the need for washing and chopping, allowing you to simply toss it directly into the pasta.
Pre-shredded rotisserie chicken: If your grocery store offers pre-shredded rotisserie chicken, grab it! It saves you the step of shredding a whole chicken.

Pasta cooking, then added to the skillet along with extra pasta water to bring the creamy chicken pasta sauce together, showcasing the final stages of combining ingredients. — Combining the perfectly cooked pasta with the creamy sauce in the skillet.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta

Achieving restaurant-quality creamy chicken pasta at home is easier than you think, especially with these insider tips:

Generously salt the pasta water: This is arguably the most crucial tip for any pasta dish. Your pasta water should taste like the sea! I recommend adding at least 1 teaspoon of salt for every 4 cups of boiling water. This step ensures the pasta itself is seasoned from the inside out, providing a foundational layer of flavor that elevates the entire dish. Skipping this will result in a bland base, no matter how good your sauce is.
Always reserve pasta water: Before draining your pasta, make it a habit to scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water. This liquid is liquid gold! It contains starches that help emulsify the sauce, making it incredibly smooth, glossy, and able to cling beautifully to the pasta. It also helps loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. I find a glass measuring cup handy for this.
Undercook the pasta slightly: For perfect al dente pasta that finishes cooking in the sauce without becoming mushy, boil it for approximately 1 minute less than the package directions suggest. The pasta will absorb the flavorful sauce and continue to cook, reaching that ideal chewy-tender texture.
Sauté mushrooms until golden: Don’t rush the mushrooms! Allow them to cook over medium heat until all their liquid has evaporated and they develop a beautiful golden-brown color. This caramelization brings out their deep, savory umami flavor, essential for the overall taste profile.
Low heat for the sauce: When adding the Boursin cheese, reduce the heat to low. This gentle heat allows the cheese to melt slowly and incorporate smoothly into the sauce, preventing it from seizing or becoming oily.

Storage Guidelines for Your Creamy Chicken Pasta

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious leftovers:

Storing Leftovers: Any leftover creamy chicken pasta should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stove over low heat. The sauce may thicken slightly in the fridge; to restore its creamy texture, add a splash of milk or even a little extra reserved pasta water while reheating and stir until smooth and warmed through.
Freezing Not Recommended: Unfortunately, this creamy pasta dish does not fare well in the freezer. The delicate Boursin-based sauce can separate and become grainy or watery upon thawing and reheating, significantly compromising its texture and appeal. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the refrigerator.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Pasta

Complement your rich and creamy chicken pasta with a light and refreshing side dish. Here are some fantastic options:

Green Salads

Garden Salad

A vibrant garden salad offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the pasta, adding crunch and freshness.

Healthy

Cucumber Salad

This light and tangy salad provides a delightful contrast, cleansing the palate with its crisp texture and mild flavor.

Fruit Salads

Peach Fruit Salad

For a touch of sweetness, a fruit salad with peaches offers a lovely balance and a refreshing finish to your meal.

Side Dishes

Roasted Broccoli Recipe

A simple roasted broccoli, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon, provides a healthy and savory complement without overpowering the main dish.

A bowl of the finished creamy chicken pasta with fresh parsley garnish.

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Rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars (4 votes)

Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

By
Chelsea Lords

This Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe is your ultimate solution for a quick, yet incredibly satisfying dinner. Loaded with perfectly cooked fettuccine, juicy rotisserie chicken, tender mushrooms, and fresh spinach, it’s all bathed in a luscious Boursin garlic and herb sauce. So simple to make, yet so bursting with delightful flavors, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your meal rotation.

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

Recipe Video

Watch how quickly this Creamy Chicken Pasta comes together!

Equipment

Large Pot
Large Skillet or another pot

Ingredients

6 ounces fettuccine (approximately half a standard box, ensuring plenty of sauce coating)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided for sautéing and finishing)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups sliced mushrooms (9.5 ounces, cremini or baby bella preferred for deep flavor)
1 tablespoon finely minced garlic (about 3 cloves, fresh is best for aroma)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1 (5.2-ounce) package Boursin garlic and herb cheese (the star of our creamy sauce!)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus additional Parmesan for serving, for superior melt and flavor)
2 cups coarsely chopped rotisserie chicken (a fantastic time-saver, pre-cooked and ready to go)
2 cups packed baby spinach (coarsely chopped, optional, but adds freshness and nutrition)
Fresh parsley (for serving, optional, adds a vibrant garnish)

Instructions

Prepare your ingredients: Thinly slice the mushrooms (about 1/2-inch thick). Coarsely chop the rotisserie chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. If you like, coarsely chop the baby spinach by running a knife through it a few times, or you can leave the leaves whole for ease.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, generously season the water with salt (I recommend 1 teaspoon per 4 cups of water; this is crucial for flavored pasta). Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions, but for 1 minute less than specified. This ensures the pasta remains al dente and finishes cooking perfectly in the sauce. Just before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta immediately.
Sauté the mushrooms: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or pot (a deep 12-inch cast-iron skillet works wonderfully) over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid, which then evaporates, and they begin to turn a beautiful golden brown (this usually takes about 5-7 minutes). This step is key for developing rich mushroom flavor.
Build the aromatics: In the same skillet with the golden mushrooms, season to taste with salt and pepper (I typically add about 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper at this stage). Stir in the Italian seasoning. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Continue to stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and everything is lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic. By this point, your pasta should be ready to drain.
Assemble the creamy pasta: Reduce the heat to low. Add the Boursin cheese, chopped rotisserie chicken, and the hot, drained pasta to the skillet with the mushrooms. Using tongs, briskly toss all the ingredients together. Gradually add small amounts of the reserved pasta water (starting with about 1/2 cup, up to 3/4 cup) until the Boursin melts and forms a creamy, velvety sauce that beautifully coats the pasta. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency. Finally, add the baby spinach and gently toss with tongs just until it wilts. Remove the skillet from the heat immediately. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt and pepper as necessary until the flavors are perfectly balanced and “sing.”
Serve and enjoy: Serve your creamy chicken pasta immediately while it’s hot and fresh. For an extra touch, garnish individual plates with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note 1 – About Boursin: Boursin cheese, particularly the garlic and herb flavor, is the cornerstone of this recipe’s effortless creaminess. It’s usually found in the specialty cheese or deli section of most supermarkets. Its blend of soft cheese with garlic, parsley, and chives means you don’t need to add much else to create a rich, complex sauce. If you’re struggling to find it, check the Boursin website’s store finder for a location near you.

Storage & Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to do so gently on the stove over low heat. A splash of milk or a tiny bit of water can help loosen and smooth out the sauce if it has thickened. We do not recommend freezing this dish, as the cream sauce tends to separate and lose its desirable texture upon thawing.

Add Vegetables: Feel free to customize this dish by adding other quick-cooking vegetables. Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes (added at the end), or even asparagus spears (sautéed with mushrooms) would be delicious additions.

Protein Alternatives: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, pre-cooked grilled chicken, leftover baked chicken, or even shrimp can be used. Simply ensure your protein is already cooked before adding it to the pasta and sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic for creamy sauces, other pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, penne, or rigatoni would also work well. Choose a shape that can hold onto the rich sauce effectively.

Q: What if I can’t find Boursin cheese?
A: Boursin is quite unique, but if you absolutely can’t find it, you could try a blend of cream cheese (full-fat for richness) with fresh minced garlic and herbs like parsley, chives, and a pinch of dried Italian seasoning. However, the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply omit the chicken. You can add extra mushrooms or other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even chickpeas for added protein and texture. The Boursin sauce is vegetarian-friendly.

Q: How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
A: To thicken the sauce, simply reduce the amount of reserved pasta water you add, or let it simmer gently for an extra minute (ensure heat is low). To thin it out, gradually add more of the reserved pasta water (or a splash of milk/cream) until you reach your desired consistency.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: No, this recipe is not spicy. The garlic and herb Boursin cheese provides savory and aromatic flavors. If you prefer a kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

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