After about fifteen minutes, I’m already halfway through the chicken pasta beans recipe. It always hits the spot. The flavors come together so easily. The chicken stays juicy.
The beans make it hearty. The pasta ties it all together. I love how creamy and satisfying it turns out without too much effort.
I keep this one on rotation because it saves time and still tastes amazing. It’s the kind of meal that makes me feel good about cooking at home. One bowl is never enough. I always go back for seconds.
How To Prepare Chicken Pasta Beans Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Yield: 4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (about 225g) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
How To Make Chicken Pasta Beans Recipe
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 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the cannellini beans and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
4. Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Add Pasta and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Dietary Fiber: 8 g
- Sugars: 4 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Potassium: 820 mg
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside garlic bread or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
Special Tips For Chicken Pasta Beans Recipe?
Here are my best tips for making the chicken pasta beans recipe turn out perfect every time:
Sear the chicken well
I always sear the chicken over medium-high heat until it gets a golden crust. That adds deep flavor to the whole dish.
Use fresh garlic
I never skip fresh garlic. It gives a richer aroma than powdered versions and lifts the entire sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta
I cook my pasta just until al dente. It keeps its bite and holds the sauce better.
🫘 Rinse the beans
I rinse canned beans to remove excess salt and starch. That keeps the sauce clean and balanced.
Add cheese off heat
I stir in the Parmesan after turning off the heat. That stops the sauce from breaking or turning gritty.
Save pasta water
I always save a bit of pasta water to loosen the sauce. It helps everything come together silky smooth.
Want some easy variations too?
Health Benefits
This dish offers a balanced combination of protein from the chicken and beans, carbohydrates from the pasta, and healthy fats from the olive oil.
Cannellini beans are a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Using whole-grain pasta can further increase the fiber content and nutritional value of the meal.
How To Store For Chicken Pasta Beans Recipe?
Here’s how I store my chicken pasta beans recipe to keep it fresh and tasty:
In the fridge
I let the pasta cool down completely. Then I transfer it to an airtight container. I store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat it, I add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
In the freezer
If I want to keep it longer, I freeze it. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip bags. I label the date and freeze for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove.
I always taste and adjust the seasoning after reheating—it brings the flavor back to life.
Note
For a lighter version of this recipe, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to increase the nutrient content.
FAQ
Can I use canned beans for this recipe?
Yes, canned beans work great and save time. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding them to the dish.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
I usually go with short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni. They hold the sauce and beans nicely, making every bite hearty and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the whole dish in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I make it spicy?
Of course. Add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to give it a spicy kick.
Conclusion
This chicken pasta beans recipe has become one of my most trusted go-to meals. It brings together simple ingredients with rich flavor and hearty texture.
I don’t need anything fancy to make it feel special. Just a skillet, a pot, and what I already have in my kitchen. The beans add creaminess, the chicken adds protein, and the pasta pulls it all together.
It’s cozy, filling, and always satisfying. Whether I’m short on time or just want comfort in a bowl, this recipe never lets me down. I hope it becomes a regular in your kitchen too—just like it is in mine.
Chicken Pasta Beans Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the cannellini beans and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.