Picture this: a cozy evening after a long day, where the only thing missing is the comforting embrace of a warm, homemade meal. That’s when I turned to my trusty recipe for White Wine Chicken Pasta—a dish that elevates a simple weeknight dinner into something truly special. With its rich and creamy sauce, the vibrant notes of white wine dance with tender chicken thighs and al dente Bucatini, creating a symphony of flavors that transport you straight to an Italian bistro.
The best part? This delectable dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes, transforming your kitchen into a culinary haven with minimal fuss. Whether you’re mastering your cooking skills or simply seeking a break from the mundane fast-food routine, this creamy pasta is not only satisfying but incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes or even mix in your favorite vegetables to suit your taste. Join me as we dive into a recipe that will quickly become a beloved staple in your home!
Why is White Wine Chicken Pasta a Must-Try?
Simplicity at its finest: This dish requires just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, making it foolproof for any home cook.
Impressive Flavor: The use of white wine and heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that feels gourmet but is easy to whip up on a busy weeknight.
Versatile options: Feel free to swap chicken thighs for breasts, or even add in some fresh veggies for a nutritious twist.
Quick Cooking: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for those hectic evenings when you crave something hearty yet quick.
Crowd-Pleasing goodness: Ideal for family dinners or entertaining friends, this pasta dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned chef, you’ll find that incorporating White Wine Chicken Pasta into your weekly meal rotation is a delicious decision!
White Wine Chicken Pasta Ingredients
• Get ready to create a delightful dish!
For the Chicken
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – A flavorful choice preferred over breasts; you can swap with chicken breasts if you like.
- Olive Oil – Adds richness and is perfect for sautéing; feel free to use your favorite cooking oil.
- Unsalted Butter – Enhances the overall flavor; substitute with more olive oil if preferred.
For the Sauce
- Onion and Shallot – These aromatics create a savory base; replace shallot with yellow onion if needed.
- Garlic (6 cloves, chopped fine) – Fresh garlic provides a vibrant kick; avoid jarred garlic for the best results.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (¼ cup, chopped) – Adds a chewy texture and bittersweet flavor; fresh Roma tomatoes work as a substitute.
- White Wine (¾ cup, Pinot Grigio) – Infuses depth and acidity into the sauce; for a non-alcoholic version, use chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice.
- Heavy Cream (1¾ cups) – Delivers the creamy texture essential to the dish; light cream can be an alternative if you prefer.
- Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup plus more for garnish) – Adds a delightful umami flavor; use freshly grated for the best impact.
For the Pasta
- Cooked Bucatini (1 lb.) – A perfect pasta choice for this dish; you can swap for Fettuccine, Linguine, Penne, Ziti, or Angel hair as desired.
For the Garnish
- Chopped Italian Parsley (2 tablespoons) – A fresh herb add-on to brighten the dish; use basil instead, or leave it out if you choose.
How to Make White Wine Chicken Pasta
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Combine Seasonings: Mix together salt, garlic powder, black pepper, red chili flakes, onion powder, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. This blend will elevate your chicken’s flavor profile beautifully.
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Season Chicken: Evenly coat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with the prepared seasoning on both sides to enhance flavor.
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Heat Skillet: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine olive oil and unsalted butter. Let them melt and heat until shimmering—this creates the perfect base for cooking your chicken.
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Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown. Remove the chicken and chop it into medium-sized pieces.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, turn down the heat slightly; add chopped onion and shallots, cooking for 2 minutes until soft and aromatic—stir occasionally to enhance their sweetness.
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Add Garlic & Tomatoes: Incorporate the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet, cooking for about 15 seconds or until fragrant. You’ll love the delightful smell that fills your kitchen!
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Deglaze with Wine: Return the chopped chicken to the skillet, pour in the white wine, and let it simmer for 2 minutes to develop the sauce flavor.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese. Allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens—creamy perfection awaits!
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Toss Pasta: Add the cooked Bucatini to the skillet, tossing everything gently to ensure the pasta is well-coated in the delicious sauce.
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Garnish & Serve: Serve your scrumptious white wine chicken pasta garnished with chopped Italian parsley and remaining Parmesan on top for that final touch!
Optional: Sprinkle a bit of red chili flakes on top for a hint of spice!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with White Wine Chicken Pasta?
Picture the perfect dining experience enhanced by delightful accompaniments to elevate your creamy pasta dish further.
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Garlic Bread: This crunchy, buttery side adds a delightful texture, perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce. Each bite pairs beautifully with the herbaceous flavors in the pasta, making it a classic choice!
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Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons create a bright contrast, balancing the richness of the chicken and pasta. The added crunch and freshness make each forkful exciting.
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Roasted Vegetables: Colorful, caramelized veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus complement the dish’s hearty nature while adding a delightful, nutritious element. Their slight sweetness pairs well with the creamy sauce.
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Steamed Broccoli: Tender, green florets add a vibrant pop of color and a nutritious component to your meal. Their mild flavor benefits from a sprinkle of zest, enhancing the overall experience.
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White Wine Spritzer: Light and refreshing, this drink enhances the main dish’s flavors. Mix equal parts chilled white wine and club soda, splash in some citrus, and toast to a lovely evening!
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Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing, zesty dessert acts as a perfect palate cleanser after the creamy pasta. Its lightness contrasts beautifully with the richness of the chicken dish, leaving you feeling satisfied yet refreshed.
Make Ahead Options
These White Wine Chicken Pasta preparations are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping! You can chop the chicken, onions, and garlic up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator to save time. The sauce can also be prepared ahead of time; just combine the sun-dried tomatoes, white wine, and heavy cream and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your dinner, simply sauté the chicken, add the prepped sauce, and cook until heated through. This way, you’ll have a delicious, homemade dinner on the table in no time, ensuring it’s just as creamy and flavorful as if made fresh!
Storage Tips for White Wine Chicken Pasta
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep it tightly sealed to maintain that delightful creamy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze White Wine Chicken Pasta in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s completely cooled before freezing.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken stock to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Vacuum Seal: For optimal freshness and to prevent freezer burn, consider vacuum-sealing individual portions before freezing.
Expert Tips for White Wine Chicken Pasta
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Skillet Size Matters: Use a large skillet to prevent overcrowding, ensuring even cooking and allowing the sauce to develop its flavor properly.
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Even Chicken Cooking: If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness so they cook uniformly, avoiding dry, overcooked spots.
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Perfect Pasta Texture: Always cook your pasta al dente to retain a slight bite, which helps balance the creaminess of the sauce without becoming mushy.
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Leftover Love: To maintain moisture when reheating, add a splash of chicken stock to your leftovers, bringing back that creamy sauce’s luscious texture.
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Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Don’t skip the fresh parsley—its bright flavor elevates the dish and enhances the visual appeal of your White Wine Chicken Pasta!
White Wine Chicken Pasta Variations
Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity with these delightful adaptations!
- Seafood Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a delicious seafood twist that cooks up beautifully in the creamy sauce.
- Vegetarians Rejoice: Replace chicken with mushrooms or diced zucchini for a hearty, plant-based option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to give this dish a wholesome spin, adding a touch of nuttiness.
- Creamy Tomato Sauce: Mix in a few tablespoons of tomato sauce with the heavy cream for a tangy, creamy tomato flavor profile.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil or oregano to the sauce for an aromatic boost that complements the rich flavors.
- Cheese Variety: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese that brings a delightful zing to your pasta.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red chili flakes or toss in sliced jalapeños for an added layer of heat that will please spice lovers.
- Extra Greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale towards the end for a vibrant color and nutritious punch that brightens every bite.
White Wine Chicken Pasta Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Boneless skinless chicken thighs are my personal favorite for their rich flavor that stands up beautifully to the creamy sauce. However, you can definitely use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just remember to pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking!
How should I store leftovers?
You can store your White Wine Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to keep that delicious creamy texture intact. If you have leftovers, I recommend enjoying them as soon as possible!
Can I freeze White Wine Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! For longer storage, place the cooled pasta in an airtight container and freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to revive the creaminess of the sauce.
What if my sauce is too thick when reheating?
If you find your sauce has thickened too much, don’t worry! Simply add a splash of chicken stock or a bit of milk while reheating. Stir gently and let it simmer until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. It’s a simple trick to bring back that luscious texture!
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Great question! If you’re sharing scraps, always avoid giving your pets garlic or onions, as these can be harmful to them. Additionally, if anyone has dairy allergies, you might consider substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative to ensure everyone can enjoy this delightful dish!
How do I know if my ingredients are ripe or fresh?
When selecting tomatoes, look for vibrant colors with no dark spots. For the chicken, ensure it is firm and moist with no off smell. Fresh garlic should be firm, and the skin should be intact, while cream should have a fresh scent with no signs of separation—the fresher, the better for your White Wine Chicken Pasta!
Delicious White Wine Chicken Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix together salt, garlic powder, black pepper, red chili flakes, onion powder, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
- Evenly coat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with the prepared seasoning on both sides.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine olive oil and unsalted butter. Let them melt until shimmering.
- Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Remove and chop into medium-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and shallots, cooking for 2 minutes until soft.
- Incorporate the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for about 15 seconds or until fragrant.
- Return the chopped chicken to the skillet, pour in the white wine, and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese, cooking for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked Bucatini to the skillet, tossing everything gently to ensure the pasta is well-coated.
- Serve garnished with chopped Italian parsley and remaining Parmesan on top.