Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in under 30 minutes to create a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Italian seasoning and mix well.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and add it to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this deliciously creamy dish!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a veggie-packed version.
- Protein Options: Swap chicken with shrimp, turkey, or diced tofu for variety.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Swap: Use Romano or Asiago cheese instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Low-Carb: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter meal.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce. Microwave reheating is also possible, but stir midway to ensure even heating.
10 FAQs About Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, penne, fettuccine, or bow-tie pasta work well.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? While best served fresh, you can prepare it and reheat before serving.
- Is there a dairy-free option? Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- What can I use instead of chicken broth? Vegetable broth works as a substitute.
- How do I prevent the cream from curdling? Keep the heat at medium-low when adding cream and avoid boiling the sauce.
- Can I freeze this dish? Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate upon thawing.
- What other seasonings can I use? Try adding basil, oregano, or thyme for extra Italian flavors.
- Can I add vegetables? Yes, broccoli, peas, or bell peppers can be added for additional nutrients.
- Is this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Can I make it healthier? Use light cream and whole-wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
Conclusion
Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is a simple yet indulgent dish that combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful pasta into one comforting meal. Perfect for busy evenings or when you’re craving something rich and satisfying, this recipe is easily adaptable to suit various dietary preferences. Try it today and elevate your dinner table with this Italian-inspired delight!This Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in under 30 minutes to create a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Italian seasoning and mix well.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and add it to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this deliciously creamy dish!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a veggie-packed version.
- Protein Options: Swap chicken with shrimp, turkey, or diced tofu for variety.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Swap: Use Romano or Asiago cheese instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Low-Carb: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter meal.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce. Microwave reheating is also possible, but stir midway to ensure even heating.
10 FAQs About Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, penne, fettuccine, or bow-tie pasta work well.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? While best served fresh, you can prepare it and reheat before serving.
- Is there a dairy-free option? Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- What can I use instead of chicken broth? Vegetable broth works as a substitute.
- How do I prevent the cream from curdling? Keep the heat at medium-low when adding cream and avoid boiling the sauce.
- Can I freeze this dish? Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate upon thawing.
- What other seasonings can I use? Try adding basil, oregano, or thyme for extra Italian flavors.
- Can I add vegetables? Yes, broccoli, peas, or bell peppers can be added for additional nutrients.
- Is this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Can I make it healthier? Use light cream and whole-wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
Conclusion
Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is a simple yet indulgent dish that combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful pasta into one comforting meal. Perfect for busy evenings or when you’re craving something rich and satisfying, this recipe is easily adaptable to suit various dietary preferences. Try it today and elevate your dinner table with this Italian-inspired delight!
PrintCreamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, rich Parmesan cheese, and fragrant Italian seasoning in a luscious creamy sauce. Paired with your favorite pasta, it’s the perfect comfort meal for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant and softened.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Mix in Italian seasoning and allow the sauce to simmer for 5–7 minutes, thickening slightly.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, consider using a mix of Parmesan and Romano cheese.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a vibrant touch.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20