What is Italian Chicken Pasta? I make it twice a month. It’s one of those recipes that, honestly, I do. My kids practically riot if I go too long without it! Think of it as the comfort of Chicken Noodle Soup, but elevated with the incredible flavors of hummus. What is the best parmesan chicken? What is pasta? Is it possible to make a complex project happen quickly?
What is Italian Chicken Pasta?
What is this Italian Chicken Pasta? Imagine tender, juicy chicken breast, pan-seared to golden perfection and coated in Italian olive oil. Now picture that nestled in a creamy, flavorful sauce, tossed with your favorite pasta. What is the best of Italian cooking? What are some of the best comfort food recipes? The cream sauce isn’t heavy at all – it’s light and coats pasta perfectly. I always use rotini because the sauce clings to those little spirals like nobody’s business, but I still use it. Is spaghetti good for penne? What is a great weeknight meal that feels fancy but is secretly super simple?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to adore this **Italian Chicken Pasta**, it’s hard to know where to begin! But first, the flavor – oh, the flavor! The combination of the savory chicken, the rich cream sauce infused with garlic and herbs, and the perfectly cooked pasta is just…divine. Seriously, every bite is an explosion of deliciousness. What I love most about this is how unbelievably easy it is to make. On busy weeknights, this is a lifesaver. You can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour, and the cleanup is a breeze.
Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-effective. Chicken breasts are usually pretty affordable, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. And the versatility! You can easily customize it to your liking. Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. Use different types of pasta. Swap out the cream for a lighter option like half-and-half. I’ve even used almond milk before, and it actually made it even creamier! Think of it like a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Honestly, compared to something like lasagna that takes all day to prepare, this is my go-to Italian comfort food. My family begs for it constantly, and I’m pretty sure yours will too!
How do I make Italian chicken pasta?
Quick Overview
How do I make Italian Chicken Pasta? How do I cook a chicken breast? Start by searing it until golden brown and cooked through. How do you make a creamy sauce in the same pan? Add your cooked pasta and chicken back into the sauce, toss it all together, and voila! Dinner is served. The magic is in the simple ingredients and how they come together to create something. Is there anyone who can make this?
Ingredients
For the Chicken: What are some good
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1. How do I cook a chicken at the same rate? * 1 tablespoon olive oil – Extra virgin olive oils add the best flavor. * 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – I like to make my own blend. * 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Fresh minced garlic is better but powder works in a pinch. * 1/4 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste. * 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper – Freshly ground is always best.
For the Pasta:
* 1 pound rotini pasta – Or penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape! * 6 cups water – For cooking the pasta * 1 teaspoon salt – Add to the boiling water for pasta.
What is the Creamy Sauce?
* 2 tablespoons butter – Salted or unsalted, your preference. * 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is best, but jarred garlic works too. * 1 cup chicken broth – Low-sodium is preferred, so you can control the saltiness. * 1 cup heavy cream – This is what makes it so creamy and dreamy! Can you substitute half-and-half for lighter options? * 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is always better, but pre-Grated works too. * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adjust to taste. * 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – For garnish (optional).
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. How do you cook a steak? Season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I always do this at least 15 minutes before cooking, but even an hour or two in the fridge helps. How do flavors meld together?
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Once the oil is shimmering, add the cutlets to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the chicken. How long do you cook a steak? The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook pasta. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and let cool. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. How do you cook garlic?
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. What is the best way to make a sauce?
Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly. I always taste the sauce at this point and adjust the seasonings as needed. Sometimes it needs a little extra salt or pepper, depending on the chicken broth I use.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the creamy sauce. Is it safe to toss everything together until well combined and heated through? Where does it all come together, and the aroma is just incredible!
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
What are some good ways to serve fresh parsley with arugula? Why don’t I add Parmesan cheese? What are some good side dishes to serve with garlic bread?
9: Enjoy
Enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
Is Italian Chicken Pasta a complete meal? What are
For a casual weeknight dinner:What are some good side salads with a light vinaigrette? It adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. What is a good garlic bread recipe? I like to make mine with a baguette, garlic butter, and parmesan cheese.
What are some ideas for an elegant dinner party?Start with a Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. What are some of the best Italian Chicken Pasta recipes? What is a good side dish with roasted asparagus or green beans? Tiramisu is always a crowd pleaser.
For a Cozy Night In:What do you need for a good movie? Serve pasta with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce. What is the perfect finishing touch to a glass of wine?
I always have a side of broccoli. The kids love it and it’s healthy. My mom used to serve it with steamed green beans or zucchini, so I switch it up sometimes.
How do I make Italian Chicken Pasta?
After making this Italian Chicken Pasta countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that can help you. How do you perfect a dish?
Chicken Prep:How do you slice chicken breasts? You can also pound them with a meat mallet to tenderize them further. If you pound them too thin, they’ll dry out when you cook them.
Garlic:Don’t burn the garlic! Is it necessary to keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent it from browning too quickly? Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter, and nobody wants that. If you’re worried about burning it, you can add it to the skillet after you add the chicken broth.
Sauce Consistency:How do I make a creamy sauce? If it gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it. How does Parmesan cheese thicken sauce?
Pasta:Don’t overcook pasta! It should be al dente, meaning “to the tooth”. “It should be firm and slightly chewy. Overcooked pasta will be unappetizing. Always cook pasta according to package directions, and test it a minute or two before serving. What is the recommended cooking time?
Cheese:What are some good ways to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese? Pre-grated cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly. If you’re using pre-grated cheese, add it to the sauce gradually and stir constantly to help it melt.
I once used sour cream instead of heavy cream and it was a tangy mess! Don’t do that!
Customization:Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking! Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. Use different types of pasta. What is the best way to make a lighter version of the cream?
What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?
This **Italian Chicken Pasta** is even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerating: Store the leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To prevent the pasta from drying out, add a tablespoon or two of milk or chicken broth to the container before storing it.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating in the microwave, add a tablespoon or two of milk or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to trap moisture.
Stovetop: If reheating on the stovetop, add a tablespoon or two of milk or chicken broth to a skillet. Add the pasta and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat it, or the sauce may separate.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing with the cream, it separates. But you can freeze the chicken on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This **Italian Chicken Pasta** is more than just a recipe; it’s a memory. It’s the smell of garlic and herbs filling the kitchen, the sound of happy chatter around the dinner table, and the satisfied smiles on my family’s faces. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. And that’s what it’s all about, right? If you love this and want to try something else similar, my Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe will be right up your alley. So go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And if you do make it, please let me know how it turns out in the comments below! I love hearing your feedback and seeing your own variations. Happy cooking!
Italian Chicken Pasta: 7 Tips for the Perfect Creamy Delight!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Breast Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb Penne Pasta Or your favorite pasta shape
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Adds richness
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated is best
- 0.25 cup Chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes Oil-packed, drained
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil For sauteing
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Adds flavor
- 0.5 tsp Salt To taste
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper To taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Serve immediately.
