If you’re craving a comforting yet vibrant dinner that brings a touch of Italy right to your kitchen, this Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken pieces seasoned perfectly, mingling with fresh spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes, all coated in a dreamy, creamy Parmesan sauce that clings to each bite of al dente penne. It’s a wonderful blend of colors, textures, and flavors that feels both indulgent and fresh. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special treat, this dish never fails to thrill the taste buds and satisfy the soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe is simple at its core, but each ingredient plays a starring role in delivering the full depth of flavor and texture. From the rich creaminess of Parmesan to the bright pops of cherry tomatoes and the tender spinach leaves, every element is essential to creating that irresistible dish you’ll want to make over and over.
- Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil adds a subtle fruity richness and helps cook the chicken to golden perfection.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These tender pieces soak up seasoning beautifully and cook quickly for an easy main protein.
- Italian seasoning: This herb blend fills the chicken with fragrant, classic Italian flavors that set the tone.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile, complementing the fresh garlic sautéed later in the recipe.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced garlic adds that warm, aromatic base that every Italian dish deserves.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursting with juiciness, these give a lovely tang and vibrant color contrast.
- Baby spinach: Adds an earthy freshness and a beautiful green that softens perfectly in the sauce.
- Heavy cream: The key to that luscious, silky sauce that coats every bite in luxury.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the cream to create a nutty, sharp depth of flavor.
- Penne pasta: A hearty, ridged pasta shape that holds onto the creamy sauce impeccably well.
- Fresh basil (optional): A fragrant, leafy garnish that brightens and finishes the dish with authentic flair.
How to Make Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions in well-salted boiling water. This step ensures the pasta has just the right bite, which is crucial because it’s the base for the creamy sauce and chicken to cling to. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside, letting it rest while you prepare the flavorful components.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Take your bite-sized chicken pieces and give them a generous coating of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adding these spices before cooking infuses the chicken with authentic flavor right to the core. Toss the chicken into the hot skillet and cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally until each piece is beautifully browned and cooked through. Then, transfer the chicken to a plate so the pan can be used for your sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it just until it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds—you want to awaken those flavors without burning the garlic. Next, throw in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their natural juices. Finally, stir in the baby spinach and cook until it wilts; this not only adds nutrients but brings lovely color and softness to the dish.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This gentle heat is important because you want the cream to thicken slowly without scorching. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt smoothly into the sauce, adding a savory, umami richness. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, creating that silky texture that everyone loves in an Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together with care so each strand of penne and every chicken piece is generously coated with the creamy sauce. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to warm through and meld the flavors beautifully. If you like, finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil for an aromatic touch and a splash of vibrant green freshness.
How to Serve Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For garnish, fresh basil is a classic choice that adds not only color but a fragrant brightness that elevates this dish. You might also sprinkle a bit more grated Parmesan or some cracked black pepper to enhance the final presentation and flavor. These small touches make your meal feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This pasta is quite the star, but pairing it with a simple side salad of mixed greens dressed in a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing balance. Garlic bread or crisp focaccia also make delightful companions, soaking up any leftover creamy sauce and adding a pleasant crunch alongside the softness of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Have fun plating this Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe by twirling the pasta with a fork and spoon into neat nests, serving alongside a wedge of lemon for those who enjoy a zestier kick. For a family-style touch, serve it in a large rustic bowl with garnishes on top, inviting everyone to dig in and share the warmth of this delightful dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This creamy chicken pasta holds up well for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches that still feel indulgent.
Freezing
While freezing creamy pasta dishes can sometimes change the texture, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. For best results, consume within one month and be prepared for slight separation in the sauce; just stir well when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Stir frequently until heated through and creamy once again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is recommended because it holds the sauce well, feel free to use rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. The flavors remain just as delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe with leftover or rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Just add it toward the end when combining the ingredients to warm through gently.
Can I make this dish lighter or lower in fat?
Definitely. Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk to lighten the sauce, knowing it will be a bit less rich but still wonderful. You can also reduce the amount of cheese slightly if desired.
What can I add if I want a little heat in this recipe?
For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or toss some into the sauce while it simmers. It adds a lovely warmth that contrasts nicely with the creamy texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute the penne with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Most gluten-free pastas cook similarly to regular pasta and will work beautifully in this recipe without compromising taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about throwing together this Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe that delivers both comfort and elegance. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate yet looks beautiful enough to share with friends and family. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it becomes a go-to favorite for so many home cooks. So grab your skillet and get ready to create a creamy, flavorful dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Italian Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender pieces of seasoned chicken, sautéed garlic and cherry tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that brings the flavors of Italy right to your table.
Ingredients
Protein & Meat
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces penne or your favorite pasta
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to ensure they are flavorful.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften.
- Cook Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Heat Through: Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with chopped fresh basil for added aroma and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Italian chicken pasta.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time and skip cooking the chicken from scratch.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream to reduce calories and fat.
- Add red pepper flakes if you want to introduce a bit of heat and spice to the dish.
