Indulge in Our Cozy Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

Whipping up a delightful creamy italian chicken pasta never felt so effortless or satisfying.

Comfort arrives in one steaming skillet, packed with rich flavors and tender ingredients.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle alongside perfectly cooked noodles, creating a meal that speaks directly to your soul.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings dance through each forkful, promising a culinary adventure that transcends ordinary dinner routines.

Weeknight cooking becomes a joyful experience when such simple yet impressive dishes come together quickly.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of creamy sauce, herbs, and protein that will make your taste buds sing.

Trust me, this recipe will become your new go-to meal that impresses without demanding complicated techniques.

FAQs About Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne is ideal, but you can also use fettuccine, linguine, or rotini for similar creamy texture and sauce absorption.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a quick and convenient protein option that adds great flavor and saves cooking time.

• Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, and use reduced-fat Parmesan cheese to create a lighter version of the dish.

• How can I add more vegetables to this pasta?

Mix in sautéed spinach, roasted bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to boost nutrition and add extra flavor to the creamy chicken pasta.

Reasons to Love Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

• Savor Quick Comfort: This chicken pasta delivers satisfying flavors in minimal preparation steps, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you need a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Packed with creamy richness and classic Italian seasonings, the recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family meal that everyone will enjoy without complicated ingredients.
• Customize with Ease: Home cooks can personalize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, switching protein options, or adjusting seasonings to match individual taste preferences while maintaining the core creamy sauce.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using simple pantry staples like chicken, pasta, cream, and common spices, this recipe proves gourmet-tasting meals can be created without requiring specialized or expensive ingredients.

Ingredients for Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

• Penne Pasta: A classic Italian pasta shape that perfectly captures and holds the creamy sauce.
• Chicken: Shredded protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and luxurious base for the sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese, Italian Seasoning: Provide authentic Italian taste and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic base note to the entire dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a smooth cooking base.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds a fresh finish and visual appeal to the pasta.

How to Make Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Grab your penne and cook it according to the package directions. Once it’s perfectly al dente, drain the water and set the pasta aside, ready to become the star of your delicious meal.

Step 2: Sizzle the Garlic

Heat up some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it dance around until it becomes fragrant and golden, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Warm the Chicken

Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and cook it for a few minutes. You want the chicken to be heated through and mingling beautifully with the garlic.

Step 4: Create the Dreamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

Stir the mixture until it transforms into a smooth, luxurious sauce that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Introduce the cooked pasta to your creamy sauce, gently stirring to ensure every single pasta piece is perfectly coated. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Shower the pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Pro Tips for Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version that still maintains creamy texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor without additional cooking steps.
• Customize heat levels by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for those who enjoy spicier dishes.
• Prepare pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when mixing with creamy sauce, ensuring perfect pasta consistency.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, gently reheating with a splash of milk to restore sauce's smoothness.

Flavor Variations for Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and add diced jalapeños for a zesty kick. Swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese and top with fresh cilantro.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Use feta cheese instead of Parmesan, mix in sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle with oregano and basil. Add kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
• Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: Substitute Italian seasoning with homemade or store-bought pesto sauce. Incorporate roasted pine nuts and extra fresh basil leaves for a rich, herbaceous profile.
• Light Alfredo Chicken Pasta: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt and half-and-half for a lighter version. Reduce cheese quantity and add lemon zest for brightness and tanginess.

Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy pasta's rich flavors and cut through the heavy cream sauce.
• Create Herbal Bread Side: Serve warm garlic bread or focaccia with fresh rosemary and thyme to enhance the Italian seasoning notes in the chicken pasta.
• Match Refreshing Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the dish's richness and add a fresh, tangy contrast.
• Recommend Chilled Appetizer: Start with a caprese salad featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil to introduce bright, clean flavors before the creamy main course.

Storage Advice for Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pack the pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. The cream-based sauce might slightly separate upon thawing, but a quick stir will help restore its original texture.
• Place a portion of pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water or additional cream to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent creamy Italian chicken pasta delivers a symphony of rich flavors straight from Mediterranean kitchens. Parmesan, herbs, and tender chicken meld together, creating a comforting meal you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Aromatics and Finishing:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare penne pasta in boiling water until al dente, following package timing. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, approximately 30-45 seconds.
4. Incorporate shredded chicken into the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until completely heated and slightly golden.
5. Gradually pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
6. Blend Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning into the cream sauce, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
7. Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated with sauce.
8. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preference.
9. Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant garnish.
10. Serve immediately while the pasta remains hot and sauce is creamy.

Notes

• Enhance the dish’s protein content by using grilled or rotisserie chicken for extra flavor depth.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to create a lighter, lower-calorie version of the pasta.
• Keep pasta al dente to maintain a perfect texture and prevent mushiness when mixed with the creamy sauce.
• Experiment with different cheese variations like Romano or Pecorino for unique flavor profiles that complement the Italian seasoning.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 485 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg