Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re dreaming of a dish that brings together velvety creaminess, juicy seasoned chicken, and bright pops of vegetables in just one pan, you’ll absolutely love Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta. With golden sautéed chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and tender pasta all swirled in a luscious Parmesan sauce, this recipe tastes like a special-occasion meal but is simple enough for busy weeknights. It’s everything you crave when only comfort food will do, but with an Italian-American twist you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about fresh flavors and essential pantry staples. Each ingredient in Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta adds something special, from the golden flavor of garlic to the rich creaminess of Parmesan. Here is what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single one:
- Pasta: Penne or fettuccine work best to hold the creamy sauce in every bite; use gluten-free pasta for a GF option.
- Olive oil: A fruity olive oil starts things off and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and mild, these soak up all the Italian seasoning and create those irresistible juicy bites.
- Italian seasoning: This blend brings classic Mediterranean herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme into every piece of chicken.
- Garlic powder: Layered with both fresh and powdered versions for maximum savory depth.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning at each step, letting each flavor shine through.
- Fresh garlic: A must for real Italian aroma—don’t skimp! Fresh garlic perfumes the sauce and ties everything together.
- Heavy cream: Adds decadence, giving that thick, creamy sauce everyone loves.
- Chicken broth: Lifts and thins the sauce just enough for a silky texture that clings to pasta.
- Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty, Parmesan melts into the sauce for pure, creamy goodness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle for a gentle kick of Italian heat—totally up to your spice preference.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Bursts of tangy, sun-soaked flavor—drain them if they’re packed in oil for the perfect balance.
- Fresh baby spinach: For color and freshness; it wilts down quickly and adds a subtle earthiness.
- Extra Parmesan & fresh basil: For garnishing, these top off the dish with bright flavor and a restaurant-style finish.
How to Make Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First, set a big pot of salted water to boil and cook your pasta until it is al dente. This way, it holds its shape and texture under all that creamy sauce. Drain the pasta, but don’t rinse—it helps the sauce stick to every piece! Set it aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to get that gorgeous golden crust, then stir and continue cooking for 6 to 8 minutes, until fully cooked through. The chicken should be browned and tender.
Step 3: Start the Sauce
Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle in the pan for about a minute, just until fragrant but not browned. Now pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to pick up all the flavor from the pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer to kickstart the sauce—this is where it all starts to smell irresistible.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Flavor Boosters
Next, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes, if you like a subtle heat in your Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta. Stir gently and watch the sauce thicken into a glossy, cheesy blanket. This is truly the moment where the pasta becomes restaurant-level delicious.
Step 5: Fold in Veggies
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. The tomatoes add little tangy bursts, while the spinach wilts quickly and gives the pasta a vibrant touch of green and a healthy twist.
Step 6: Bring it All Together
Add the cooked pasta right into your skillet and use tongs or a big spoon to toss everything together until every noodle is coated in that creamy, dreamy sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes and spinach should be tucked throughout, and the chicken will be juicy with every bite. Finish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil before serving for that authentic Italian-American flair!
How to Serve Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
Pile the pasta into bowls and don’t forget the final touches—extra grated Parmesan and a shower of fresh basil make every serving pop with aroma and color. A little fresh-cracked black pepper or even a scant drizzle of good olive oil can heighten the flavors, making your Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta truly unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This is one of those mains that pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette, or warm, crusty bread to mop up the extra sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables also complement the richness of the pasta nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For date nights or special occasions, you can serve Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta in individual shallow bowls with a twist of fettuccine nestled high, finished with artful basil ribbons. Or, pile it onto a large platter family-style and let everyone dig in for a more relaxed, communal feel. Mini cast-iron skillets or pasta bowls add a bistro vibe that’s perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta are a lifesaver for busy days! Let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer any extras into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, knowing the flavors will deepen with time.
Freezing
While cream sauces sometimes change texture after freezing, this dish does surprisingly well when stored correctly. Pop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip bags, squeezing out any air. Freeze for up to one month. Just know that the sauce may be a bit less silky when thawed, but it will still hit the spot!
Reheating
To revive your Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta, gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring back the creaminess. The microwave also works—cover the bowl loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between each round, so everything warms evenly and stays luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! You can swap in your favorite variety—penne, fettuccine, or even fusilli all work great. Just make sure to cook your chosen pasta al dente, so it keeps its bite once combined with the creamy sauce.
Is there a way to make Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta lighter?
Yes! You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, or opt for less Parmesan. Even with these changes, the pasta remains fabulously creamy and packed with flavor.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. This recipe plays well with extras like mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or peas. Fold them in when you add the spinach for even more color and nutrition.
What if I only have jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil?
No problem—just drain them briefly on a paper towel to avoid excess oil in the sauce. They’re packed with extra flavor and will work beautifully in your Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for the traditional penne or fettuccine. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss out on any flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta always feels like letting friends in on my best kitchen secret. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and impossibly easy, so I hope you’ll try it for your next comfort food craving or dinner with loved ones. One bite, and you’ll see why this is a staple in my own weeknight rotation—you’re in for a treat!
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Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is a delicious one-pan pasta dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Garnish:
- Additional Parmesan and fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken with seasonings until golden and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add garlic, cream, broth, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss until coated.
- Serve: Garnish with Parmesan and basil. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- For extra flavor, use marinated sun-dried tomatoes.
- You can substitute the cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
