Pasta Milano Macaroni Grill Recipe | Creamy & Easy
Craving that signature creamy pasta from Macaroni Grill? My Pasta Milano Macaroni Grill Recipe is the perfect way to bring restaurant-style flavours right into your own kitchen. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce tossed with farfalle pasta, this dish is pure comfort food that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cosy weekend meal.
Step-by-Step Pasta Milano Preparation
Cooking this Pasta Milano is all about layering flavours. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality pasta dish on your dinner table in under an hour.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, keeping it warm.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent and the mushrooms are golden brown. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and season with salt and black pepper for extra flavour.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, butter, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and fresh basil. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir continuously and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Add the cooked farfalle pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Parmesan sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Serve the Pasta Milano immediately while hot. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil for that authentic restaurant-style finish.
Serving and Decoration
This creamy Pasta Milano is best enjoyed fresh, straight from the skillet. But presentation matters too; here are some ways I love to serve and elevate this dish:
Garnishing for Flavour & Presentation
- Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.
- Add a few fresh basil leaves on top for colour and aroma.
- For a restaurant-style look, drizzle a tiny bit of extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
Perfect Pairings
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the creamy sauce.
- Breadsticks or Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the sauce, because you won’t want to waste a drop!
- Wine Pairing: A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy Parmesan sauce beautifully.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerating Pasta Milano
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or half-and-half to revive the creamy sauce.
Freezing Instructions
While creamy pasta sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze Pasta Milano in small portions. Place in freezer-safe containers and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with added cream or milk to smooth out the sauce.
Pasta Milano Macaroni Grill Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When making Pasta Milano at home, having the right tools makes all the difference:- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – To cook the chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce all in one.
- Large Pot – For boiling the farfalle pasta until perfectly al dente.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – To stir the sauce without scratching your pan.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – Essential for balancing cream, cheese, and seasonings.
- Colander – To drain your pasta before combining it with the sauce.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife – For chopping chicken, onions, and basil.
FAQs About Pasta Milano Macaroni Grill Recipe
Can I make Pasta Milano gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the farfalle pasta with your favourite gluten-free pasta. The creamy sauce and chicken pair wonderfully with gluten-free options.
What can I substitute for half-and-half?
If you don’t have half-and-half, you can use a mix of whole milk and heavy cream (equal parts). For a lighter version, you can use just milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just add it in when you combine everything with the sauce.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low to medium when adding dairy, and stir continuously. Avoid boiling the sauce, as high heat can cause separation.
Can I add vegetables to Pasta Milano?
Definitely! Spinach, roasted red peppers, or even asparagus make delicious additions that add both flavour and colour.
Conclusion
Recreating the Pasta Milano Macaroni Grill Recipe at home is easier than you might think. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and that irresistible Parmesan cream sauce, this dish tastes just like your favourite restaurant meal, only fresher and made with love in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a romantic date night, or meal prep for the week, this pasta delivers comfort and flavour in every bite. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
So, grab your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let’s bring a taste of Macaroni Grill straight to your table tonight!
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
