Chicken Pasta Recipe No Cream
Introduction
Chicken pasta recipe no cream is the answer when you want something comforting yet light. This dish skips the heavy dairy but still delivers bold flavor, thanks to fresh vegetables, diced chicken, and a tomato-based sauce that clings beautifully to pasta. Whether you’re cutting back on cream or simply craving something more wholesome, this recipe proves you don’t need richness to feel satisfied. In this guide, I’ll share my personal story, walk you through each cooking step, and show you how to build flavor without a drop of cream. Let’s bring the taste of Tuscany to your table.
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Chicken Pasta Recipe No Cream
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken pasta recipe no cream made easy with bold flavors, fresh veggies & tender chicken. A healthy, satisfying pasta dish ready in 35 minutes!
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 5 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
6. Return chicken to the skillet, then add cooked pasta. Toss everything together and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
You can substitute mushrooms or spinach for the zucchini. For extra richness without dairy, stir in a spoonful of mashed roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
The Story Behind My Chicken Pasta Recipe No Cream
How This Chicken Pasta Recipe No Cream Became a Weeknight Staple
Years ago, I sat on a sun-warmed terrace in a little Tuscan village, spooning into a bowl of pasta that looked creamy but wasn’t. It was tomato-based, vibrant, and incredibly rich—without a trace of cream. That night changed how I cook forever. I’d always believed a good pasta dish needed dairy, but that light, flavorful bowl told a different story.
Back home in the hills of Florence, I started testing my own version. I browned chicken in olive oil, tossed in garden vegetables, and simmered them with tomatoes and broth. That’s how this chicken pasta recipe no cream was born—simple, rustic, and full of soul.
This became one of the first recipes I served to guests when we moved to the countryside. Even the die-hard Alfredo fans couldn’t believe there was no cream involved. That’s the magic of cooking with real ingredients and building flavor from the ground up.
For more non-dairy dinner ideas, take a peek at my chicken pasta recipe without cream or this helpful roundup of chicken pasta recipes no cream. These dishes share the same philosophy: less fuss, more flavor.
Why This Chicken Pasta Recipe No Cream Works Every Time
What gives this dish its depth is the balance of textures. Diced chicken gets seared until golden. Then a base of onion, garlic, and red bell pepper is softened just enough to release sweetness. Add zucchini for tenderness and diced tomatoes for richness. It’s a method I also use in this creamy twist: boursin chicken pasta—but here, it’s all about keeping it light.
If you’re looking for a dependable, wholesome chicken pasta recipe no cream, this one will fit perfectly into your weeknight rotation. It’s easy, forgiving, and endlessly flavorful without feeling heavy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Pasta Recipe No Cream
Ingredients for Chicken Pasta Recipe No Cream
For this flavorful chicken pasta recipe no cream, you don’t need anything fancy—just fresh, honest ingredients. Here’s what I use regularly:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta (both shapes hold sauce beautifully)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
What’s lovely about this ingredient list is how adaptable it is. You could swap bell pepper for mushrooms or add spinach near the end. If you like meals that come together with a single skillet and a pot of pasta, you may also love this shrimp sausage and chicken pasta—equally simple, just a little spicier.
How to Make This Chicken Pasta Recipe No Cream – Step by Step
- Cook your pasta first
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package. Drain and set aside. - Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside. - Sauté aromatics and vegetables
In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in red bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for another 5 minutes, letting the veggies soften slightly. - Build the sauce
Add diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes. This allows the liquid to reduce slightly and intensifies the flavor—giving the illusion of richness without any cream. - Bring it all together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the drained pasta. Stir everything gently to coat. Let it all cook together for another 2–3 minutes so the pasta soaks in the sauce. - Serve hot
Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil or chopped parsley. Crack some fresh black pepper over the top, and dinner is ready.
This step-by-step process captures what I love most about Italian cooking—each element adds something essential. For a similar no-fuss dish with a creamy touch, my readers often try this boursin cheese chicken pasta next.
Flavor Tips and Healthy Swaps for Chicken Pasta Recipe No Cream
Boosting Flavor in Chicken Pasta Recipe No Cream
When you’re cooking without cream, every ingredient counts. That’s why this chicken pasta recipe no cream leans into bold seasoning, fresh herbs, and smart layering. First up: red pepper flakes. Just ½ teaspoon adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of tomatoes and vegetables. If you like more kick, don’t be shy—add more.
Italian seasoning gives this dish its herbal backbone. If you’ve got fresh oregano or thyme in your garden, throw in a handful during the simmering phase. Right before serving, a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley or torn basil brightens everything up. And don’t skip the garlic. Those little minced cloves build a beautiful base when sautéed slowly in olive oil.
For a more robust version with Cajun heat and a smoky twist, many of my readers love this one-pot smoky Cajun chicken and sausage pasta, especially when they want something bolder but still weeknight-friendly.
If you’re looking to add even more depth, try a splash of dry white wine in place of a few tablespoons of broth. Just let it cook off before you stir the chicken back in.
Healthy Swaps and Creative Add-Ins
The beauty of a chicken pasta recipe no cream is how versatile it is. Don’t have zucchini? Use spinach or kale. Want to go lower-carb? Swap out pasta for spiralized zucchini or whole wheat penne. You can also toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a handful of olives for briny contrast.
This recipe’s sauce thickens naturally through simmering, but if you want it heartier, mash a few of the diced tomatoes with the back of your spoon as they cook. That adds body without needing flour or dairy.
Another favorite option is to add roasted cherry tomatoes during the last two minutes—they burst with flavor and make the dish feel special without adding effort. For another take that layers even more richness into every bite, check out my chicken boursin cheese pasta—a creamy cousin to this recipe that’s still fast and easy.
Whether you’re looking for something lighter, or just skipping dairy for dietary reasons, this dish lets you eat well without compromise. With a few simple swaps, you can keep things exciting all year round.
Serving, Storing & Reheating Chicken Pasta Recipe No Cream
How to Serve Chicken Pasta Recipe No Cream Like an Italian
This chicken pasta recipe no cream is best enjoyed hot off the stove, when the pasta is tender and the sauce clings to every bite. I love serving it in shallow bowls with a generous sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley. A few twists of freshly cracked black pepper bring the whole dish to life, and if you’re feeling fancy, a touch of lemon zest adds a burst of brightness.
While it’s perfect as a standalone meal, you can easily turn it into a full dinner. Pair it with crusty sourdough bread or a fresh arugula salad tossed with lemon and olive oil. And if you’re wondering about wine, a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied Sangiovese plays beautifully with the tomato base and herbs.
If you enjoy dishes like this that are simple yet elegant, you might also appreciate the subtle tang in my boursin chicken pasta with tomatoes. It’s a slightly creamier option, but still fresh and well-balanced.
For feeding a crowd, this recipe doubles easily—just use a large enough skillet to toss everything together at the end.
How to Store and Reheat Without Losing Flavor
Leftovers? You’re in luck. This chicken pasta recipe no cream stores beautifully and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Here’s how to do it right:
- Storage: Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: The best way is on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, then warm over medium heat, stirring gently.
- Microwave option: Reheat in short intervals (30–45 seconds), stirring in between. Cover lightly to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: Not ideal. The veggies may become mushy, and the pasta can lose its texture.
For those nights when you want to mix things up but still stick with lighter dishes, check out this chicken boursin cheese pasta or the comforting chicken pasta recipe without cream—both reader favorites.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or saving a portion for lunch, this dish is as practical as it is delicious.
FAQs For Chicken Pasta Recipe No Cream
What can I add instead of cream to pasta?
You can use a combination of sautéed vegetables, olive oil, and broth to create a rich sauce without cream. In this recipe, we use diced tomatoes and low-sodium chicken broth, which simmer together to create a naturally flavorful coating for the pasta. Mashed tomatoes or a touch of starchy pasta water can also help thicken the sauce.
Can I make pasta without cream?
Absolutely. This entire chicken pasta recipe uses no cream, and it’s still incredibly satisfying. The key is building flavor through fresh garlic, onions, herbs, and a base of vegetables. A well-balanced broth and tomato sauce will give your pasta all the richness it needs.
How to make pasta sauce thick without cream?
Letting your sauce simmer uncovered allows it to reduce and concentrate naturally. You can also mash a few of the tomatoes or vegetables while cooking to create a thicker texture. If needed, add a small splash of starchy pasta water—it binds sauces without changing the flavor.
Is this chicken pasta recipe no cream dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is 100% dairy-free as written. If you’re avoiding dairy completely, be sure to skip any cheese toppings. For a creamy dairy-free twist, you can blend cooked cauliflower or soaked cashews into the sauce—but it’s just as good without!
What vegetables go well in cream-free chicken pasta?
Zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and even broccoli florets work beautifully. They release moisture and natural sweetness, helping create a full-bodied sauce without needing dairy.
What kind of pasta works best with no-cream sauces?
Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are excellent for holding onto chunky sauces. Long pasta like spaghetti works too, but may not coat as evenly. For more rustic recipes using different shapes, try my recipes collection for inspiration.
Conclusion
A good chicken pasta recipe no cream proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a few smart steps, you can create a dish that’s full of flavor, nourishing, and perfect for busy nights or casual dinner guests. This recipe is all about balance—savory chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce that feels indulgent without needing dairy.
Whether you’re avoiding cream for dietary reasons or just love lighter pasta dishes, this recipe is sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation. Try it once, and you’ll see—it’s the kind of pasta that satisfies in every season.
And if you’re looking to explore more no-cream pasta ideas, I’ve got plenty waiting for you—like this versatile chicken pasta recipe without cream or the craveable boursin chicken pasta with tomatoes. Come back anytime. My kitchen in the Tuscan hills is always open
