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If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of tender chicken, luscious creamy sauce, and vibrant veggies all tossed with your favorite pasta. Every bite bursts with classic Italian flavors thanks to a blend of garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes, while fresh spinach and basil add a pop of color and freshness. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is comfort food at its finest, guaranteed to become a fast favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe is simple and plays an important role, from building bold flavor to adding satisfying texture and color. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each element is essential.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite): The perfect vehicle for soaking up the luscious creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base for cooking the chicken to golden perfection.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender protein that absorbs the Italian seasoning for a flavorful punch.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances every other ingredient.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings authentic Italian flair.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a savory depth and irresistible aroma.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, indulgent base that makes the pasta irresistibly creamy.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds a savory, umami-rich liquid to balance the richness of the cream.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce to lend a sharp, nutty flavor and smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Brings bursts of concentrated tomato sweetness and a beautiful color contrast.
- 1 cup spinach leaves, fresh: Adds vibrant green freshness and a subtle earthy note as it gently wilts.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a touch of spice to elevate the dish.
- Fresh basil, for garnish: Finishes the dish with a fragrant herbal brightness and gorgeous presentation.
How to Make Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your chosen pasta until just al dente. This ensures that the pasta holds its shape and texture without becoming mushy once mixed with the sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside—you want it ready and waiting to soak in all that creamy goodness.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, generously season your boneless chicken breasts with salt, freshly ground pepper, and that beautiful Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook each breast until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. This step locks in moisture and flavor, creating tender slices that will stand out in your pasta. Once cooked, remove the chicken and slice it into strips for easy tossing later.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—this aroma really signals that your dish is coming together. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring occasionally. Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring to create that ultra-smooth, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to each pasta strand.
Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach
Stir the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into your sauce for a burst of concentrated tomato flavor and subtle sweetness. Then toss in the fresh spinach leaves, cooking just until they wilt and soften. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes now for a gentle, spicy kick that livens up the creamy base.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Finally, toss the drained pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce, gently stirring until every piece is evenly coated and heated through. Transfer the mixture to serving plates or a warm large bowl, then finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves. You’ve now crafted a bowl of comforting, flavorful pasta that tastes like it took hours but really didn’t!
How to Serve Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil isn’t just for looks—it adds a fresh, peppery brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce, making each bite more vibrant. For extra pizzazz, you might sprinkle a little more grated Parmesan or a dash of cracked black pepper before serving.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, light sides that balance its creamy richness. Think a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread is also an unbeatable classic here, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish each with a sprig of fresh basil and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. For a family-style touch, present the pasta in a rustic ceramic dish and place a bowl of Parmesan nearby so everyone can add as much cheese as they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before storing, let the pasta cool slightly to avoid condensation, which can affect the texture. Reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken tender.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftovers, keep in mind that the texture of the spinach and cream sauce might change slightly. Freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce.
Reheating
To reheat without losing that signature creaminess, warm the pasta gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a little chicken broth or cream during reheating will help restore the sauce’s smooth texture and prevent it from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne and fettuccine are popular choices, this recipe is quite flexible—try rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente to maintain great texture when mixed with the sauce.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce, though it may be less thick. Using less cheese or a lower-fat version will also reduce calories while maintaining flavor.
Can I prepare parts of the Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead of time?
You can cook and slice the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day. The sauce is best made fresh, but if you’re in a pinch, you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat gently when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
No worries! You can substitute with halved cherry tomatoes sautéed until soft for a fresher, less intense tomato flavor. Roasted red peppers also make a delicious alternative that adds sweetness and color.
Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! This dish is perfect for customization. Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even artichoke hearts to boost flavor, nutrition, and texture. Just sauté your chosen veggies with the garlic before adding the liquids to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about this Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe that makes it a true crowd-pleaser. It’s approachable yet impressive, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s one of those recipes you keep coming back to. So go ahead, grab those simple ingredients, and start cooking—you’re just minutes away from a delicious meal everyone will love!
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Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts, sautéed garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach all tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Served over your favorite pasta, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines Italian seasoning with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes and the freshness of basil garnish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
Chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup spinach leaves, fresh
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season and cook chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from the skillet and slice them into strips.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves to the sauce. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if desired for a mild heat.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and mix everything together until heated through.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Italian chicken pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for added aroma and flavor.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain excess oil to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce but expect less creaminess.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the finished dish for a bright finish.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
