Chicken Pasta Recipe Without Cream You’ll Absolutely Love
Chicken Pasta Recipe Without Cream: Flavorful Comfort with a Light Twist
When you think “chicken pasta,” creamy sauces usually come to mind. But what if you could make a delicious, satisfying chicken pasta recipe without cream—no heaviness, no compromise? In this article, I’ll show you exactly how. We’ll start with a simple, memory-infused story and guide you through a light yet savory version of chicken pasta that’s full of flavor. Whether you’re dairy-sensitive, watching calories, or simply out of cream, this pasta has your back. We’ll also answer your most asked questions and link you to more Cajun pasta favorites along the way.
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Chicken Pasta Recipe Without Cream You’ll Absolutely Love
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A light and flavorful chicken pasta recipe without cream. Made with garlic, olive oil, broth, and fresh herbs—perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
2 boneless chicken thighs
8 oz penne pasta
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 onion, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Boil pasta in salted water, reserve 1/2 cup water and drain.
2. Sear seasoned chicken in olive oil until golden, then set aside.
3. Sauté garlic and onion until soft.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until slightly blistered.
5. Pour in chicken broth and pasta water, reduce by half.
6. Add cooked pasta and chicken, toss to coat.
7. Adjust seasoning, garnish with herbs, and serve.
Notes
You can substitute cherry tomatoes with roasted red peppers.
For a dairy-free version, skip cheese entirely or use nutritional yeast.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
How I Fell in Love with Chicken Pasta Without Cream
From Creamy Fails to Flavorful Wins
It started on a rainy afternoon in Tuscany, the kind of day that begs for something warm and cozy. I was determined to make a chicken pasta dish like I’d seen locals whip up—only I was out of cream. And that was probably the best thing that could’ve happened. What I created instead was a simple, satisfying chicken pasta recipe without cream that celebrated texture, broth, and freshness instead of richness.
Back when I was still learning, I burned more béchamel sauces than I’d like to admit. My garlic would brown too quickly. My pasta? Sometimes mushy. But the Italians I met always told me one thing: you don’t need cream for comfort food. That stuck with me.
So, I started experimenting. I seared juicy chicken thighs, added roasted tomatoes, tossed in garlic, herbs, and deglazed with a bit of starchy pasta water and chicken broth. The result? Silky, light, and deeply flavorful. No cream needed.
Since then, dishes like this Chicken Pasta Recipe Without Cream have become my weekday heroes—especially when I want something quick yet homemade. This no-cream approach also pairs well with ideas from recipes like Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp & Chicken if you’re feeling a little indulgent.
Why Skip the Cream? It’s About Balance
Cream can overwhelm pasta, masking the beautiful balance of savory chicken, tart tomatoes, or herbal notes. Removing it puts you in control. And don’t worry—this doesn’t mean bland or dry. With the right tricks (which I’ll share in the next sections), your pasta sauce can still be glossy and clings perfectly to noodles.
Plus, using broth and other light bases makes it easier to adapt this dish for dairy-free diets or low-fat meals. Many readers have told me they love how versatile this approach is—whether they’re adding vegetables, tossing in Cajun spices, or even borrowing ingredients from recipes like Cajun Smoked Sausage Pasta.
In short, this chicken pasta recipe without cream proves that comfort doesn’t have to be heavy—and sometimes, the best flavors come when you let the ingredients speak for themselves.
Chicken Pasta Without Cream – Ingredients & Smart Substitutes
Essential Ingredients That Keep It Cream-Free and Delicious
When creating a chicken pasta recipe without cream, the secret lies in smart ingredient choices that bring depth and moisture—without relying on dairy fat. This method not only lightens the dish but also lets fresh flavors shine through.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken – Thighs bring more flavor and tenderness than breasts, but use what you prefer.
- Pasta – Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work beautifully. Choose one that holds sauce well.
- Garlic & Onion – Essential for building a savory base.
- Olive oil – For searing and sautéing, replacing butter or cream.
- Chicken broth – Your flavor-packed base that adds moisture and depth.
- Pasta water – The starchy liquid that helps the sauce cling.
- Cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes – These provide natural sweetness and acidity.
- Fresh herbs – Basil, oregano, and parsley add that Italian soul.
- Parmesan (optional) – Just a dusting at the end can make a big difference.
This thoughtful combination forms a naturally silky, cohesive sauce. It’s a chicken pasta recipe without cream that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.
Some readers who’ve made this alongside Creamy Boursin Shrimp Pasta say this recipe is their new favorite weeknight go-to. It’s lighter and just as satisfying.
What to Use Instead of Cream (and Why It Works)
Still wondering how this chicken pasta recipe without cream achieves its creamy texture? It’s all about emulsification and reduction. When you reserve about ½ cup of pasta water and stir it into your skillet with garlic, broth, and sautéed chicken, the starch helps thicken the sauce and makes it cling beautifully to the noodles.
Here’s a quick comparison table of great cream substitutes:
| Cream Substitute | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Pasta Water + Olive Oil | Starch + fat = natural sauce binder |
| Chicken Broth | Adds flavor and liquid to reduce down |
| Greek Yogurt (off-heat only) | Adds creaminess and tang (but must not boil) |
| Coconut Milk | Great for dairy-free recipes; adds body |
| Milk + Cornstarch | Quick thickener when cream is unavailable |
Readers often ask: Can I use milk instead of cream in pasta? Absolutely—but whisk it with a bit of flour or cornstarch and add it gently so it doesn’t curdle. If you like spicy flavors, stir in some Cajun seasoning like in Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta.
Want something even more comforting? Use roasted tomatoes like in the Boursin Chicken Pasta with Tomatoes recipe and blend a portion into your broth base. It creates a lush texture and umami depth.
By mastering these swaps, you unlock a world of no-cream pasta possibilities—each just as comforting as the last.
How to Make Chicken Pasta Recipe Without Cream – Step-by-Step Method
Cooking Chicken Pasta Without Cream the Right Way
One of the biggest questions I get is how to cook a chicken pasta recipe without cream and still end up with a luscious, satisfying texture. The answer lies in layering flavor and using technique—not dairy. Let’s walk through this recipe so your pasta turns out perfectly every time.
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs, then sear until golden. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, add garlic and onion—cook until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and let them soften, then pour in chicken broth and a splash of pasta water.
Now here’s the trick that brings it all together: reduce the liquid over medium heat. This concentrates the flavors and naturally thickens the sauce. Once reduced by half, add your cooked pasta and the chicken back to the skillet. Toss until every bite is coated in that silky sauce. This is what makes this chicken pasta recipe without cream so good—it’s about building richness without needing heavy ingredients.
People often wonder if they can use other add-ins. Yes! Add roasted red peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra depth. Try borrowing from the flavor base in the One-Pot Smoky Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta for a smoky kick.
Pro Tips for Texture, Taste & Timing
- Salt your pasta water like the sea. This builds base flavor before the pasta hits the pan.
- Use high-quality broth. This is key when you’re skipping cream.
- Don’t rinse your pasta. That starch helps the sauce cling.
- Finish everything in one pan. Tossing pasta in the sauce off-heat lets it absorb more flavor.
Here’s a quick cooking timeline:
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Boil pasta & reserve water | 8–10 min |
| Sear chicken & set aside | 6–8 min |
| Sauté garlic, onion, tomatoes | 4–5 min |
| Add broth & reduce | 5–6 min |
| Toss pasta & chicken | 2–3 min |
This method ensures your chicken pasta recipe without cream is silky and flavorful without being greasy or watery. Readers who’ve made both this and the Cajun Pasta with Smoked Sausage say this lighter dish is a refreshing change—but just as crave-worthy.
So whether you’re cooking for family or just craving something soulful, this step-by-step method delivers a satisfying chicken pasta recipe without cream every single time.
Variations & Serving Ideas for Chicken Pasta Recipe Without Cream
Delicious Variations to Try Tonight
What makes a chicken pasta recipe without cream so versatile is how easily you can adapt it to your mood, your pantry, or your dietary needs. Whether you’re craving something smoky, spicy, or dairy-free, this recipe can go there. And it always comes out comforting.
For a spicier version, toss in Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes—this twist is inspired by the bold flavor of Cajun Pasta with Smoked Sausage. You can even use Cajun-style marinated chicken for an extra punch.
Prefer Mediterranean flair? Add Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens everything up beautifully. If you’re craving more warmth, swap cherry tomatoes for fire-roasted canned tomatoes or even the tomato-garlic base found in Cajun Shrimp and Smoked Sausage Pasta.
Gluten-free? Just use your favorite rice-based or lentil pasta. Dairy-free? Skip the Parmesan and finish with nutritional yeast or a touch of lemon zest. This is where a chicken pasta recipe without cream truly shines—it adapts to you, not the other way around.
Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Once your pasta is cooked and tossed to perfection, it’s time to think about the whole plate. This dish is light enough to pair with sides, but hearty enough to stand on its own.
Try serving it with:
- A crisp arugula salad with balsamic glaze
- Roasted garlic bread (use dairy-free spread if needed)
- Steamed green beans or asparagus with lemon
- A chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
Don’t forget leftovers—this chicken pasta recipe without cream reheats beautifully. Just add a splash of broth or water and warm on the stove over low heat.
Want a one-dish meal? Stir in baby spinach at the end and let it wilt, or add sautéed zucchini or mushrooms. The pasta absorbs these extra flavors and stays tender even after reheating.
Some readers even like to combine this with leftovers from other favorites—one fan chopped up extra sausage from Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta and folded it into this recipe for a creamy-free fusion pasta that was a total hit.
If you’re new to skipping cream in pasta, start here. It’s a simple, flexible dish that proves a chicken pasta recipe without cream can still be luxurious, deeply flavorful, and satisfying.
FAQs: Chicken Pasta Recipe Without Cream
What can I use instead of cream to make pasta?
There are several flavorful options to replace cream in pasta. The most popular include starchy pasta water combined with olive oil, chicken broth, or a small amount of Greek yogurt (added off-heat). For a dairy-free twist, try coconut milk or puréed roasted vegetables like cauliflower or tomato for natural body.
Is it okay to use milk instead of cream in pasta?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to use milk instead of cream. To make it work, combine milk with a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch to help thicken it. Keep the heat low to avoid curdling. This substitution works great in lighter recipes like this chicken pasta recipe without cream.
How can I thicken pasta without cream?
Use reserved pasta water and reduce it with broth or tomato juice. The starch naturally thickens the sauce. You can also mash some of the cooked vegetables into the sauce, or stir in a spoonful of cornstarch dissolved in water near the end of cooking.
Can I use coconut milk instead of heavy cream?
Definitely. Coconut milk adds richness and a mild sweetness that pairs well with garlic, chili flakes, or curry-inspired ingredients. Just know it adds a slightly tropical flavor, which works especially well in dairy-free versions of a chicken pasta recipe without cream.
Conclusion:
You don’t need cream to make pasta indulgent. This chicken pasta recipe without cream delivers everything you crave: bold flavor, creamy texture, and total flexibility. With smart substitutes, simple techniques, and easy-to-find ingredients, you can enjoy this dish any night of the week.
Whether you’re cutting dairy, calories, or just want to try something new, you’ll find that cooking without cream doesn’t mean cooking without soul. Pair it with your favorite sides, adjust the spice level, or even combine flavors from recipes like Cajun Smoked Sausage Pasta for a custom creation.
Now that you’ve got the method and inspiration, it’s time to grab your skillet and create your own variation of this simple yet satisfying chicken pasta recipe without cream.
