Name: Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 3 cloves garlic minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup parmesan cheese grated; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 8 ounces spaghetti; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

I’m a huge fan of one-pan meals that combine comfort, flavor, and minimal cleanup—and this Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe checks all those boxes with style. Whenever I make this, the aroma alone draws everyone into the kitchen. Tender, golden-seared chicken breasts rest on a bed of creamy, garlicky pasta, with hints of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs woven into every bite. It’s the kind of meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours on it—but comes together quickly with everyday ingredients.

What I love most about this dish is how effortlessly it blends elegance with ease. It’s hearty enough for a satisfying dinner yet feels special enough to serve when you’re hosting friends or family. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a weekend indulgence, this pasta delivers warmth and joy in every forkful. Let’s dive into why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy and Flavor-Packed: The rich, velvety sauce is infused with garlic, parmesan, and herbs that cling to every strand of pasta.
Restaurant Quality at Home: It looks and tastes like something you’d order at a cozy Italian bistro.
Customizable: You can tweak the protein, pasta type, or even make it spicy to suit your taste.
Quick and Simple: Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze and prep stress-free.
Crowd-Pleaser: Picky eaters and foodies alike will go for seconds—guaranteed.

What Type of Chicken Should I Use for Italian Chicken Pasta?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe because they sear beautifully and stay juicy when cooked right. They also slice easily, making them ideal for layering over pasta. However, if you’re craving even more flavor or prefer a richer texture, boneless chicken thighs work just as well and add a slightly deeper flavor thanks to their higher fat content.

If you’re in a rush, you could even use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. While it won’t give you that golden sear, it still blends beautifully with the creamy sauce and cuts down your cooking time significantly.

Options for Substitutions

Cooking should be flexible and fun, and this recipe is a perfect canvas for making it your own. Here are some great swap options:

Pasta: If you don’t have spaghetti on hand, fettuccine, penne, or linguine work perfectly. Even gluten-free pasta can be used without compromising flavor.
Chicken: As mentioned, chicken thighs are a great alternative, or you can use turkey breast for a leaner option.
Cream: No heavy cream? Use half-and-half or even a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version.
Parmesan: Pecorino Romano offers a saltier kick, or try a mix of mozzarella and parmesan for a gooier finish.
Add-ins: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to elevate the flavor and sneak in extra nutrients.

Ingredients for This Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building that rich, creamy, and satisfying flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – These form the golden, juicy centerpiece of the dish. They soak up flavor from the seasoning and sear to perfection.
Salt and Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance the chicken and sauce without overpowering them.
Olive Oil – Used for searing the chicken and giving it that irresistible golden crust.
Butter – Adds richness to the sauce and deepens the flavor when combined with olive oil.
Garlic – A must-have in Italian dishes, garlic brings depth and a warm, savory aroma.
Chicken Broth – Helps form the base of the creamy sauce while infusing it with flavor.
Heavy Cream – Essential for a luxurious, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce to provide salty, nutty richness and body.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These add a punch of sweet-tart intensity that brightens the creamy base.
Italian Seasoning – A balanced mix of herbs like oregano and basil to tie all the flavors together.
Spaghetti (or pasta of choice) – The vehicle that carries the sauce and chicken—long noodles work best to soak up all the creamy goodness.
Fresh Parsley – A final sprinkle for freshness and color just before serving.

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it loosely with foil.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a touch more butter if needed. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for another minute to release their oils and deepen the flavor.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Whisk until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Add a pinch of Italian seasoning to infuse the sauce with herbaceous flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat well. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Slice the seared chicken and place it back on top of the pasta. Let it warm through for a minute or two.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an optional extra dusting of parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, herby, and perfectly savory combination that is Italian Chicken Pasta.

How Long to Cook the Italian Chicken Pasta

The entire recipe comes together in about 35–40 minutes from start to finish. Here’s a quick time breakdown:

Chicken Searing: 8–10 minutes
Sauce Prep: 7–8 minutes
Pasta Cooking: 10 minutes (can be done while sauce simmers)
Combining & Final Touches: 5 minutes

It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve on special occasions. Just be sure not to overcook the chicken or pasta—those two details can make or break the dish.

Tips for Perfect Italian Chicken Pasta

Pound the Chicken Evenly: If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness so they cook uniformly and stay juicy.
Let the Chicken Rest: After searing, rest the chicken briefly so juices redistribute before slicing.
Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: A splash of starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts smoother and gives better flavor than pre-shredded.
Use a Large Skillet: Give everything room to cook evenly—crowding the pan makes searing difficult and sauce too thick.
Adjust Creaminess: If you want a thinner sauce, add more broth; for a richer one, add more cream or cheese.
Season As You Go: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs to make it just right for you.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even simple recipes can go sideways with a few common missteps. Keep these in mind to ensure your Italian Chicken Pasta turns out flawless:

Overcooking the Chicken: This is the fastest way to dry, chewy meat. Use a thermometer if needed—aim for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
Using Cold Cream: Add cream at room temperature to avoid curdling or separating when mixed into the hot pan.
Neglecting to Salt Pasta Water: It’s your only chance to flavor the pasta itself—don’t skip it!
Letting the Sauce Sit Too Long: Serve right after mixing everything together. The sauce thickens as it cools and can become clumpy.
Skipping the Deglaze: Scraping the brown bits from the pan after searing adds major flavor—don’t just toss them away.
Using Low-Quality Cheese: The sauce heavily relies on parmesan. Invest in a good block and grate it fresh.
Not Stirring Pasta Into the Sauce: Pouring sauce on top doesn’t work as well—mix the pasta into the skillet so it absorbs the flavor.

What to Serve With Italian Chicken Pasta?

This pasta is rich and satisfying, but the right side dishes can elevate the whole meal. Here are some perfect companions:

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery, and ideal for mopping up every last drop of that creamy sauce.

Classic Caesar Salad

The crunchy romaine, tangy dressing, and parmesan offer a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

A colorful medley of zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions brings balance and nutrition to the plate.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic—light and classically Italian.

Steamed Broccoli with Lemon

Simple and fresh, it adds brightness and texture without overpowering the dish.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms with garlic and thyme pair beautifully with creamy pasta and chicken.

A Glass of White Wine

Try a chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay—it enhances the herbs and creamy notes in the dish.

Sparkling Water with Citrus

If you’re keeping it non-alcoholic, a fizzy drink with lemon or orange slices keeps the palate refreshed.

Storage Instructions

Italian Chicken Pasta stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing.
Freezer: Not ideal due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate after thawing. If you must freeze, store without the cream and add it fresh when reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Estimated Nutrition

Please note these values are approximate and will vary based on portion size and ingredients used.

Calories: ~610 per serving
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 130mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 520mg

This dish is rich and satisfying—great as a hearty dinner that delivers both comfort and nutrition, especially with a side of veggies or a salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Spaghetti is my top pick because it holds onto the creamy sauce well, but fettuccine, linguine, or penne are all great alternatives.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then store them separately. Boil the pasta fresh and combine everything when ready to serve.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default, but you can add red pepper flakes or chopped chili for some heat if you like a spicy kick.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. For better texture, try mixing milk with a bit of cream cheese or butter.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes (halved) or roasted red peppers can give a fresh, slightly sweet substitute if you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Just skip the searing step and warm the shredded chicken in the sauce before combining it with the pasta.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your chicken broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Is this a good option for kids?

Definitely! It’s creamy, comforting, and not spicy—most kids love it. You can leave out sun-dried tomatoes if they prefer a simpler flavor.

Conclusion

Italian Chicken Pasta is one of those magical meals that brings comfort, elegance, and full-on flavor to your dinner table—without the stress. From golden, juicy chicken to a rich, parmesan-laced sauce that hugs every strand of pasta, it’s a dish that feels both indulgent and effortless. Whether you’re cooking for family or trying to impress guests, this recipe will become a repeat favorite in your kitchen. And the best part? You can make it your own with easy swaps and add-ins. Simple, delicious, and deeply satisfying—that’s Italian Chicken Pasta at its best.