Name: Dreamy Chicken Pasta in a Creamy Italian Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless – 2 large breasts (about 1 lb or 450 g); Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti) – 8 oz (about 225 g); Heavy cream – 1 cup (240 ml); Chicken broth – 1/2 cup (120 ml); Parmesan cheese, freshly grated – 1/2 cup (about 50 g); Garlic, minced – 3 cloves (or 1 tablespoon); Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (for cooking the chicken and sautéing the garlic); Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon; Salt and pepper – to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper); Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish) – 1 tablespoon (finely chopped)

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Short Description

This Dreamy Chicken Pasta in a Creamy Italian Sauce is the ultimate comfort meal—perfectly cooked chicken and tender pasta tossed in a rich, creamy sauce packed with Italian flavors. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet simple to make, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This creamy chicken pasta has everything you could want in a dish: tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious, garlicky sauce. The combination of heavy cream, parmesan, and Italian seasoning creates a rich, flavorful base that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with all those delicious Italian flavors we crave. Plus, it’s easy to whip up in under 30 minutes—perfect for those nights when you want something comforting but don’t have a lot of time to cook.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make this dreamy chicken pasta. (You can find the full list of ingredients below!)

Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work best)
Heavy cream
Chicken broth
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Garlic, minced
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of the pasta water for later. This starchy water will help the sauce cling to the pasta when you toss it together.

2. Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil (or butter if you prefer) and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly, scraping up any delicious bits left in the pan from the chicken.

4. Add the Cream and Parmesan

Next, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to warm up. Slowly add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning to taste.

5. Slice the Chicken and Toss It All Together

While the sauce simmers, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency. Once the pasta is coated in the sauce and heated through, gently stir in the sliced chicken.

6. Serve and Garnish

Serve the creamy chicken pasta in bowls or plates, garnishing with freshly chopped basil or parsley and a little extra grated parmesan on top. Dig in and enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan works best for a smooth, creamy sauce. Pre-grated cheese can sometimes cause the sauce to be gritty.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), or cut into the thickest part to check for doneness.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra flavor and texture.
Use Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is key to making the sauce creamy and helping it adhere to the pasta. Don’t skip this step!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. It will absorb the sauce just as beautifully!
Dairy-Free: To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use dairy-free parmesan.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper while making the sauce.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to make a delicious vegetarian version.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This creamy chicken pasta is perfect on its own, but you can always serve it with a side of garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A glass of crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream and cheese.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating.

4 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it first before cooking. If you’re in a pinch, you can cook the chicken from frozen, but it will take longer to cook through.

2. Can I use another type of pasta?
Definitely! Any type of pasta will work—spaghetti, fusilli, or bow tie pasta would all be great choices. Just make sure to cook it al dente.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and cook the pasta before tossing everything together.

4. Can I make this recipe with shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes! Shrimp would be a fantastic substitute. Just sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink and fully cooked, then add them to the sauce at the end, right before tossing with the pasta.

Conclusion

This Dreamy Chicken Pasta in a Creamy Italian Sauce is everything you want in a cozy, satisfying meal. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and delicious Italian flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s simple to make and perfect for any night of the week when you’re craving something indulgent yet easy. Get ready to serve up some comfort in a bowl!

Short Description

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Ingredients

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

2. Sear the Chicken

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

4. Add the Cream and Parmesan

5. Slice the Chicken and Toss It All Together

6. Serve and Garnish

Expert Tips and Tricks

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Storage and Reheating Tips

4 FAQs

Conclusion

Dreamy Chicken Pasta in a Creamy Italian Sauce

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition