The Best Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Crafting a delightful italian chicken pasta brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals deserve something special that doesn’t require complicated techniques.

Succulent chicken pieces mingle with perfectly cooked noodles, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully selected ingredient.

Fresh herbs and a light sauce make this dish sing with authentic charm.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive recipe.

You’ll want seconds of this crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in under thirty minutes.

What Makes Italian Chicken Pasta So Satisfying

• Savor Speedy Satisfaction: Prepare a delicious meal in minimal steps with straightforward cooking techniques that anyone can master.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Comfort: Transform simple ingredients into a creamy, flavor-packed pasta dish that rivals professional kitchen offerings.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match personal taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup while maximizing flavor by cooking everything in a single pan, making it perfect for busy families and weeknight dinners.

Everything You Need for Italian Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that forms the hearty base of this Italian-inspired pasta dish.

• Pasta: The classic foundation that provides a comforting and satisfying texture to the meal.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a rich, aromatic flavor base for the sauce.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Small, sweet tomatoes that add bright bursts of freshness to the dish.
• Spinach Leaves: A nutrient-rich green that adds color and a delicate, slightly earthy flavor.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: A fragrant herb that provides a classic Italian finishing touch.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for cooking and adding subtle flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of herbs that infuse the chicken with traditional Mediterranean flavors.
• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that adds depth to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, smooth, and luxurious sauce texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that adds complexity and richness to the final dish.

Easy Directions for Italian Chicken Pasta Night

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cubes

Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Generously season with Italian herb blend, creating a flavorful coating that will enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot pan, cooking until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and are completely cooked through.

Step 3: Set Aside Cooked Chicken

Transfer chicken to a separate plate. Quickly drain excess oil from the skillet, leaving just a thin layer to continue cooking the remaining ingredients.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Finely chop onions and mince garlic. Toss these ingredients into the skillet, stirring until they become wonderfully fragrant and turn translucent.

Step 5: Cook Pasta to Al Dente

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, ensuring a delightful bite.

Step 6: Add Burst of Tomato Flavor

Introduce cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook briefly until they start to soften and release their sweet, tangy juices.

Step 7: Create Creamy Sauce Base

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Stir the mixture thoroughly to develop a smooth, velvety sauce that will coat every pasta strand.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the cooked pasta and transfer directly into the skillet. Toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the luxurious sauce.

Step 9: Reunite Chicken with Pasta

Carefully return the golden-brown chicken to the skillet. Gently mix to integrate all flavors and ingredients.

Step 10: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle generous amounts of grated parmesan cheese over the dish. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating an extra layer of richness.

Step 11: Wilt Fresh Spinach

Fold in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to soften slightly from the residual heat of the dish.

Step 12: Garnish and Serve

Optionally, top with fresh basil leaves for a final burst of herbal freshness. Serve piping hot and enjoy immediately.

Tips to Make Your Chicken Pasta Shine

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Marinate chicken in Italian seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and richness of taste.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust sauce consistency by adding more chicken broth for a lighter texture or simmering longer to thicken and intensify flavors.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a pleasant, firm bite when mixed with creamy sauce.
• Veggie Swap Strategy: Replace spinach with kale or arugula for different nutritional profiles and slightly peppery undertones in the final dish.
• Quick Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a lighter, lactose-free version without compromising creamy texture.

Simple Twists for Italian Chicken Pasta Fans

• Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta: Replace Italian herbs with red pepper flakes, add chopped kalamata olives, and incorporate crumbled feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: Swap the traditional sauce with homemade basil pesto, use roasted pine nuts as a garnish, and add sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness.
• Rustic Mushroom Chicken Pasta: Include sautéed mixed mushrooms like shiitake and cremini, substitute spinach with fresh arugula, and sprinkle truffle oil for an earthy, sophisticated touch.
• Light Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta: Use lighter cream or Greek yogurt, add lemon zest and fresh parsley, reduce parmesan quantity, and incorporate grilled zucchini for a fresher, brighter version.

Perfect Pairings for Italian Chicken Pasta

• Savor the Perfect Pairing: Italian Chicken Pasta Companions
• Crisp White Wine Match: Reach for a chilled pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy sauce and cut through the richness of the chicken and cheese.
• Fresh Herb Salad Side: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery contrast that balances the pasta's creaminess and adds a refreshing element.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm, toasted ciabatta or focaccia bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful textural crunch to the meal.

Smart Ways to Store Italian Chicken Pasta

• Store leftover Italian chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Pasta can be frozen for maximum 2 months. Seal completely to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
• Warm refrigerated pasta in microwave using medium power, stirring every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, reheat in skillet over low heat, adding splash of chicken broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency.
• When reheating, add small amount of fresh cream or broth to revive sauce and prevent pasta from becoming dry or clumpy.

All About Italian Chicken Pasta – FAQs

• What herbs work best for seasoning the chicken?

Italian seasoning blend is perfect, combining dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. These herbs provide authentic Italian flavor and complement the chicken perfectly.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work great. Choose pasta with ridges or curves that help hold the creamy sauce better and create a more enjoyable eating experience.

• Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream creates a rich, luxurious sauce, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. The sauce will be slightly less thick but still delicious.

• How can I make this dish more protein-packed?

Add extra protein by including grilled shrimp, sautéed sausage, or white beans.

Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor the delightful Tuscan-inspired Italian chicken pasta, a culinary journey that blends rich Mediterranean flavors with comforting home-style cooking. Hearty chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy sauce promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Protein:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 12 oz penne pasta or fettuccine

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp dried Italian herbs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cube chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, seasoning thoroughly with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, searing chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet, set aside, and drain excess oil, leaving a thin layer for sautéing.
4. Dice onion and mince garlic, then sauté in the same skillet until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
5. Simultaneously, cook pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
6. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
7. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the vegetable mixture, stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
8. Drain pasta and transfer directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
9. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the pasta, gently mixing to combine all ingredients.
10. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the dish, stirring until cheese melts and integrates into the sauce.
11. Fold in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt slightly from the residual heat.
12. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by marinating chicken in Italian herbs and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking to deepen seasoning and tenderness.
• Choose high-quality parmesan cheese and grate fresh for maximum flavor intensity and smoother sauce texture.
• Adjust cream sauce consistency by adding pasta water if sauce becomes too thick, ensuring silky and clingy coating on noodles.
• Make gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for dietary accommodations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg