Johnson's Creamy Chicken Pasta with Garlic Herb Sauce
Tender chicken breast cubes simmered in a rich garlic-herb cream sauce over perfectly cooked spaghetti, ideal for weeknight dinners. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, olive oil, diced onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup, diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1/2 cup, reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz chicken cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup white wine and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp dried rosemary, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Add drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet, then toss with 12 oz cooked chicken until coated. Cook for 1 minute until heated through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Creamy Chicken Pasta with Garlic Herb Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Johnson's Creamy Chicken Pasta with Garlic Herb Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Creamy Chicken Pasta with Garlic Herb Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Johnson's Creamy Chicken Pasta with Garlic Herb Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Johnson's Creamy Chicken Pasta with Garlic Herb Sauce?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.