This article explores the joys of preparing a homemade creamy pasta dish that rivals restaurant-quality alfredo. With easy-to-follow steps, you can create a flavorful meal in under an hour using just one pot. The combination of herbs, wine, and mustard brings a unique twist to traditional pasta recipes, offering a balanced and satisfying taste experience.

The preparation involves browning chicken for added depth, simmering a rich sauce, and finishing the dish with perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe not only simplifies cooking but also allows room for personalization, such as adding mushrooms or choosing different pasta shapes.

Brown Chicken and Simmer Sauce

Begin by preparing the chicken breasts to achieve a golden crust, which enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. Once the chicken is set aside, focus on creating a robust sauce by sautéing aromatic ingredients like shallots and garlic before incorporating wine and stock. These layers of flavors form the foundation of the dish.

To start, pat dry four boneless skinless chicken breasts with paper towels and season them generously. Cook these in hot oil until they develop a browned exterior, ensuring a savory texture. After removing the chicken from the pan, reduce heat and introduce butter along with finely chopped shallots, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs. Stirring frequently softens these elements, releasing their natural aromas. Next, pour in white wine, increasing the heat slightly to deglaze the pan and incorporate any stuck bits into the sauce. Gradually add chicken stock, allowing it to reduce while intensifying its flavors. Finally, mix in heavy cream and Dijon mustard, bringing everything together for a smooth, velvety base.

Combine Pasta and Serve

With the sauce ready, shift attention to the pasta component. Cooking al dente ensures the noodles maintain their structure when combined with the sauce. Incorporating Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water thickens the mixture, creating a cohesive final product ready to serve.

While the sauce simmers, prepare your choice of pasta according to package instructions. Once drained, reserve some cooking water for adjusting consistency later. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, covering it to finish cooking within the luscious cream sauce. Meanwhile, slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them atop evenly divided portions of pasta in serving bowls. To complete the dish, gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese alongside reserved pasta water, achieving desired thickness. Toss the pasta in the skillet until fully coated, then transfer to individual servings. Garnish each plate with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch before enjoying this delightful creation paired with a crisp salad or toasted bread. For storage, refrigerate leftovers properly up to four days, reheating as needed.