This dreamy chicken pasta in a creamy Italian sauce is the perfect meal for when you’re craving something rich and satisfying. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety sauce infused with Italian herbs make this a dish the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Comes together in under 30 minutes
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Rich, creamy sauce with tons of flavor
- Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion
Ingredients
(Full ingredient list below in the recipe card.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Pasta of choice
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Butter
- Chicken broth
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Spinach
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Directions
Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add more butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute before adding the heavy cream and Italian seasoning.
Melt in the Cheese
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together until coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- Don’t overcook the chicken—it should be juicy and tender.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Add a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for more flavor and color.
- Try gluten-free pasta for a wheat-free option.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread. A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, makes for the perfect pairing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: The sauce may separate slightly, but it can be frozen for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, but the sauce is best fresh. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Try whole milk with a little extra Parmesan.
What can I use instead of chicken broth? Vegetable broth or even reserved pasta water works great.
How do I make the sauce thicker? Let it simmer a little longer or add more cheese.
Conclusion
Dreamy chicken pasta in a creamy Italian sauce is the ultimate comfort food. With its rich, garlicky, and cheesy goodness, this dish is bound to become a household favorite!
Print
Dreamy Chicken Pasta in a Creamy Italian Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Dreamy Chicken Pasta in a Creamy Italian Sauce is a rich and comforting dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Tender chicken is combined with a luscious, creamy sauce infused with Italian flavors, then tossed with pasta for a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for a minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Slice cooked chicken and return to the pan along with pasta and spinach. Toss until well combined.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Add a splash of white wine for extra depth.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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