Get ready to fall in love with a pasta dish that’s the perfect combination of creamy, comforting, and full of Italian flair! Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is a weeknight dinner hero—rich with a velvety sauce, tender chicken, and a hint of spice that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Did you know creamy chicken pasta recipes have been featured at Italian family tables for generations, known as the dish that magically brings everyone together at dinnertime? That’s the beauty of this hearty meal: it’s reliable, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Unlike my ever-popular Tuscan Garlic Shrimp Pasta (a reader favorite!), this chicken pasta is all about cozy, familiar flavors that are both budget-friendly and easy to whip up. So go ahead, let yourself be tempted by this irresistible comfort food—it’s bound to become your new favorite!
What is Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta?
Ever wondered what makes Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta so exceptional, or even why it’s called that? Honestly, whoever decided to combine juicy chicken with silky cream sauce must have known the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach! Some say Italians have a special knack for transforming simple ingredients into dishes that taste like you’ve spent hours in Nonna’s kitchen. Maybe it’s the way the creamy sauce clings to every noodle or that sprinkle of Parmesan that seals the deal. Whatever the reason, this dish is like a warm culinary hug after a long day. Give it a try – your taste buds will definitely thank you!
Why You’ll Love This
The highlight of this dish is the perfectly seasoned, golden chicken nestled in a silky, rich Parmesan cream sauce—all tossed with classic spaghetti. It’s pure comfort in a bowl! Making it at home is much easier (and cheaper) than grabbing takeout from your favorite Italian restaurant. You get to control the quality of the ingredients and skip the hefty bill. What really sets it apart are the flavorful toppings like sun-ripened tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and that signature dash of Italian seasoning. Compared to Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta (another blog favorite), this version stays true to the classic—no smoky spice, just pure creamy goodness. Ready to roll up your sleeves? Your next dinner win is right here!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is beloved for its straightforward prep and mouthwatering results. With basic pantry ingredients and just 35 minutes from start to finish, you’ll create a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal. What really makes this one stand out is the luscious creamy sauce paired perfectly with juicy chicken and toothsome noodles. Don’t worry if you’re short on time or energy—this recipe is absolutely doable, even on your busiest weeknights!
Ingredients
- 5 boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning (divided use)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 tsp minced garlic
- 2 small tomatoes, diced
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step
-
Prep the Chicken:
Start by flattening your chicken breast cutlets for even cooking. In a shallow bowl, mix together 1/2 cup flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, coating thoroughly. -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 4 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm. -
Cook the Pasta:
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 tbsp butter. Once melted, add chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 3 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. -
Add Tomatoes and Flour:
Toss in the diced tomatoes, sauté for 2 minutes, then sprinkle 1 tbsp flour over the mixture. Stir to coat the vegetables and cook for another minute to remove the raw flour taste. -
Make the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the heavy whipping cream. Stir continuously as it thickens, then add Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes luscious and smooth. -
Combine Everything:
Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in sauce. Lay the sliced chicken on top and spoon extra sauce over everything. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve hot, sprinkled with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
What to Serve Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta With
Round out this creamy dish with a crisp green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette for freshness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce. For a lighter touch, try roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. If you’re in the mood for wine, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy, savory flavors.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re out of chicken breast, swap in boneless thighs or even shrimp for a tasty twist. Penne or fettuccine make excellent alternatives to spaghetti.
- Don’t Overcook: Avoid dry chicken by cooking each cutlet just until golden and done—use a meat thermometer if you have one (165°F is perfect).
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
- Flavor Boost: A squeeze of lemon just before serving adds brightness. Don’t be shy with fresh herbs like basil or parsley!
- Mistakes to Avoid: Overcrowding the skillet when browning chicken can make it steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed for the best flavor and texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently in a skillet over low heat to bring back the creamy texture. For freezing, portion the cooled pasta and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating as above—just remember, cream-based sauces may separate slightly, so mix well and add extra liquid if needed.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare all components ahead and store them separately, then toss together just before serving for the best texture.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Swap the cream for coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to create a creamy, lactose-free version.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw?
Absolutely! Skip the dredging and browning steps, then just warm shredded rotisserie chicken in the sauce.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce seems too thin, simmer it a bit longer uncovered, or add an extra tablespoon of flour when sautéing the aromatics.
What pasta shapes work best?
While spaghetti is classic, penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli are great for capturing every drop of sauce.
Conclusion
Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—quick, delicious, and guaranteed to wow your family any night of the week. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and a flavor-packed sauce, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Don’t forget to try other pasta favorites on the blog for even more Italian inspiration. Now grab your skillet and let’s get cooking—your perfect bowl of creamy pasta awaits!
Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pot
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Chicken
- 5 pieces boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
Flour
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning (divided use)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 4 tbsp butter
Vegetables
- 1 piece onion, chopped
- 4 tsp minced garlic
- 2 small tomatoes, diced
Cream Sauce
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Start by flattening your chicken breast cutlets for even cooking. In a shallow bowl, mix together 1/2 cup flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 4 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 tbsp butter. Once melted, add chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 3 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Tomatoes and Flour: Toss in the diced tomatoes, sauté for 2 minutes, then sprinkle 1 tbsp flour over the mixture. Stir to coat the vegetables and cook for another minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy whipping cream. Stir continuously as it thickens, then add Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes luscious and smooth.
- Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta in sauce. Lay the sliced chicken on top and spoon extra sauce over everything.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, sprinkled with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.