If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that the simplest ingredients can create the most unforgettable dishes. Today, I’m sharing my Creamy Peppercorn Chicken Pasta recipe—a rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying meal that’ll quickly earn a spot in your weekly rotation. With its bold peppery kick, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, this dish is pure comfort on a plate. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Balanced Flavor: The freshly cracked peppercorns bring heat and spice, perfectly balanced by the velvety cream sauce.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few pantry staples and 30 minutes, you’ve got a restaurant-quality dish on your table.
Customizable: Add veggies, switch up the pasta, or play with the spice level—this dish adapts beautifully to your preferences.

The best part? The aroma of sizzling chicken and simmering sauce will fill your kitchen with a warmth that says, “Home.”

What Does Creamy Peppercorn Chicken Pasta Taste Like?

Imagine this: the earthy heat of black peppercorns blends seamlessly with the richness of cream, wrapping around tender pasta like a cozy hug. Each bite is punctuated by juicy chicken, a subtle hint of garlic, and the umami kick of Parmesan. It’s indulgent, yes, but not overpowering—just the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication.

Ingredients For Creamy Peppercorn Chicken Pasta Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this peppery masterpiece:

Pasta: 12 oz of fettuccine or penne (or your favorite shape!)
Chicken Breast: 2 medium-sized, boneless, skinless, sliced into thin strips
Salt & Pepper: To taste
Olive Oil: 2 tbsp for searing the chicken
Butter: 2 tbsp for a rich sauce base
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Crushed Peppercorns: 1 tbsp (freshly cracked for the best flavor)
Heavy Cream: 1 cup
Chicken Broth: ½ cup for depth
Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated
Parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

A large skillet or sauté pan
A medium-sized pot for boiling pasta
Tongs for handling the chicken
A pepper mill or mortar and pestle for crushing peppercorns

How to Make Creamy Peppercorn Chicken Pasta

Follow these simple steps to create this unforgettable dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and a pinch of black pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Toss in the crushed peppercorns, letting them toast slightly for enhanced flavor.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Base

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet for extra flavor. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine It All

Add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, coating it evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Finally, fold in the cooked chicken.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh parsley, and a little extra cracked pepper on top for flair. Serve immediately and watch the magic happen!

What to Serve With Peppercorn Chicken Pasta

This dish shines on its own, but here are a few pairing ideas to complete your meal:

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
Garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the sauce
A chilled glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Peppercorn Chicken Pasta

Toast Your Peppercorns: Lightly toasting the crushed peppercorns in the skillet enhances their flavor and gives the dish a bolder kick.
Grate Your Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded Parmesan can be clumpy. Opt for fresh Parmesan for a creamier sauce.
Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is a secret weapon for silky, restaurant-quality sauces.

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy texture, and warm gently on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne work wonderfully, spaghetti, rigatoni, or even tagliatelle are great options.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Just reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Q: Is there a dairy-free version?
A: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, vegan-friendly twist.

Conclusion

And there you have it—Creamy Peppercorn Chicken Pasta, a dish that brings bold flavors and effortless elegance to your table. Whether it’s a quiet weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this recipe checks all the boxes.

If you love this recipe, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Mushroom Pepper Chicken, a dish that’s equally comforting and flavorful. For a lighter option, try Black Pepper Chicken with Mushrooms or the one-pot magic of One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles. Don’t forget to leave a review below or share your beautiful creations on Pinterest—I can’t wait to see your take on this peppery delight!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: ~520 | Protein: 32g | Carbs: 45g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 2g