If you’re looking for an easy chicken recipe that’s a comforting one-pan dinner with tender chicken and a silky sauce, Creamy Mustard Chicken Pasta is perfect for you.
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Creamy Mustard Chicken Pasta : Tender Chicken and Silky Sauce, One-Pan Dinner
Creamy Mustard Chicken Pasta is a great recipe to add to your weeknight rotation. Tender pieces of marinated chicken are combined with pasta and then coated in a rich, creamy mustard sauce made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of mustard.
The combination of the creamy sauce and tangy mustard helps give the chicken pasta a delicious balance. It’s perfect for a family dinner, filling yet easy to prepare on a busy evening.
This recipe uses everyday ingredients that are easily found in American grocery stores. Serve it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm garlic bread.
It’s a very complete meal.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Mustard Chicken Pasta:
- Perfect for a weeknight dinner
- Creamy and delicious
- Perfect for a family meal
- Makes in one pan
- Easy to customize
- Perfect for a great leftover meal
All Ingredients Creamy Mustard Chicken Pasta:
Ingredients for the Chicken:
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Ingredients for the Pasta:
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons Designer Mustard
- 12 ounces penne, rotini, or fettuccine
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup leftover pasta water, if needed
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Ingredient Suggestion: Boneless, skinless
chicken breast is very easy, but If you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs also work well.
Dejon Mustard: This is the main ingredient in the sauce. It helps give the pasta a spicy and mild flavor without overpowering the cream.
Whole Grain Mustard: Light whole grain mustard adds texture and a deeper mustard flavor. You can substitute more Dejon mustard if needed.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes a very rich, smooth sauce. For a lighter version, you can use half and half, but the sauce will be less rich.
Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan sauce dissolves more easily and helps add a salty flavor.
Pasta: Penne and rotini pasta are excellent options because their shape holds the creamy mustard sauce.
How to Make Creamy Mustard Chicken Pasta: Complete Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken
- Drain the chicken breast thoroughly on a paper towel.
- Cut it into small pieces, which helps it cook faster and more evenly.
- Add pepper, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the chicken.
- Mix well to coat every piece.
2. Cooking the Pasta
- Using a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta, if desired, and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.
- Save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- The starchy water helps thin and emulsify the sauce later.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Browning the Chicken
- Use a large pan.
- Add olive oil over medium-high heat and heat thoroughly.
- Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, then cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned.
- Cook thoroughly.
- Remove the chicken all at once onto a plate.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the plate with too much pasta.
- If necessary, cook the chicken in batches, which gives it more space to brown rather than steaming.
4. Sauteing the Garlic
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Using a pan, add the butter.
- Once it melts, add the finely chopped garlic.
- Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Continue cooking, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Making the Mustard Sauce
- Pour the chicken broth into the pan and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Whisk it all together.
- Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes.
- Avoid bringing it to a boil, as high heat can cause cream-based sauces to separate.
6. Add the Parmesan Cheese
- Reduce the heat.
- Slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends well into the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the remaining pasta water and stir.
- Keep adding a tablespoon or two of pasta water until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
7. Mixing the Pasta and Chicken
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Add the drained pasta and gently mix everything together.
- Simmer the pasta in the sauce for about 2 more minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the mustard cream sauce.
- Taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or mustard if needed.
8. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from the heat, top with freshly chopped parsley and a light sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Enjoy the Creamy Mustard Chicken Pasta immediately while the sauce is still hot and silky.
Tips for the Best Creamy Mustard Chicken Pasta:
- Avoid overcooking the chicken.
- Use fresh Parmesan.
- Make sure to cook the sauce on low heat.
- Reserve some of the pasta water.
- If you add more mustard, taste it first.
Some easy variation suggestions:
Creamy Mustard Mushroom Chicken Pasta:
Saute chopped mushrooms with garlic before making the sauce. Their earthy flavor pairs especially well with mustard and creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Mustard Chicken Pasta:
- This creamy chicken pasta is filling on its own, but you can serve it with a variety of side dishes and it tastes amazing.
- Caesar Salad
- Garlic Bread
- Simple Green Salad
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli
- A light vegetable side dish provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
Storage Tips:
- Let leftover pasta cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Since cream-based sauces thicken in the refrigerator, add a little chicken broth, milk, or water when reheating.
- Heat this sauce in a pan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
FAQ
Answers to questions about Creamy Mustard Chicken Pasta.
Q. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Skinless, boneless chicken thighs are a great option. They stay juicier and have a richer flavor.
Q. Which pasta works best for this recipe?
Penini, rotini, rigatoni, farfalle, and fettuccine work best. Small pasta shapes are especially good because they help hold the creamy mustard sauce.
Q. Can I use just Design mustard?
Yes! If you don’t have whole grain mustard, substitute another tablespoon of Design mustard or adjust the amount to taste.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Mustard Chicken Pasta brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, Parmesan, garlic, and tangy Indian mustard in a very comforting skillet. The sauce is rich without being overly complicated, but the mustard helps give the dish a unique flavor.
This sets this apart from the traditional creamy chicken pasta recipe, making it a great option for a busy weeknight dinner, a casual family meal, or a relaxing weekend getaway.
Add your favorite vegetables, adjust the mustard to taste, and enjoy it served with warm garlic bread, making it a very easy meal.