If you’re craving a comforting, restaurant-quality pasta dish, this Dreamy Chicken Pasta in a Creamy Italian Sauce is exactly what you need. Rich, velvety, and bursting with Italian flavors, it’s a meal that feels indulgent but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, flavorful sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
- Tender, juicy chicken seasoned with Italian herbs.
- A one-pan dish that’s simple to make but tastes gourmet.
- Perfect for family dinners or a special date night meal.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Chicken broth
- Full list of ingredients with exact measurements is below!
Directions
Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
Combine Everything
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan, letting it simmer in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated.
Serve and Enjoy
Plate up your dreamy pasta and garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken—let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- For a thinner sauce, add a splash of pasta water or extra broth.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap chicken for shrimp or mushrooms for a delicious twist.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This creamy pasta pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. For a cozy dinner, serve it with a glass of white wine.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the pasta and chicken in advance, then reheat with the sauce when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different twist.
How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Make sure to simmer the sauce on low heat and avoid boiling it too hard.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and check your broth and seasonings for hidden gluten.
Conclusion
This Dreamy Chicken Pasta in a Creamy Italian Sauce is a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s easy to make but feels like a special treat. Try it for dinner tonight—you won’t be disappointed!
PrintDreamy Chicken Pasta in a Creamy Italian Sauce
Indulge in a comforting, restaurant-quality pasta dish featuring tender chicken enveloped in a rich, velvety Italian cream sauce. This one-pan meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering gourmet flavors with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan, simmering in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta, tossing to ensure even coating.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, garnishing with fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese as desired.
Notes
- For optimal flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan.
- Allow chicken to rest before slicing to maintain juiciness.
- Adjust sauce consistency with a splash of pasta water or extra broth if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 817
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 1194mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 162mg