Italian Chicken Pasta: A Creamy, Comforting Weeknight Hero
Simple ingredients, bold flavors, and just one pan to clean? Yes, please.
There’s something undeniably satisfying about pasta night. It’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table without complaint—especially when it looks (and tastes) like this.
Italian Chicken Pasta is one of those cozy, creamy meals that feels like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen but takes less than 30 minutes to make at home. Tender bites of seasoned chicken, a rich, savory sauce, and pasta that soaks up all the goodness—it’s the kind of dinner that doesn’t leave leftovers (unless you make extra on purpose... which you should).
๐ What Makes This Italian Chicken Pasta Special?
It’s the best of both worlds: hearty and comforting, but still easy enough for a busy weeknight. With pantry staples like pasta, cream, garlic, and Italian seasoning, you can whip this up without a grocery store run. Plus, the creamy tomato-based sauce is flavorful without being too heavy, and the seared chicken adds that perfect golden bite.
It’s family-friendly, dinner-party-worthy, and delicious every single time.
๐ง Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into strips or cubes
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2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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3–4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional, for brightness)
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
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8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
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Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
๐ณ Directions:
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
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Season and cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
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Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sautรฉ garlic (and tomatoes, if using) for 1–2 minutes. Pour in cream, broth (or pasta water), and Parmesan cheese. Stir and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
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Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to bring it all together. Season to taste.
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Garnish and serve: Top with more Parmesan, fresh basil or parsley, and cracked black pepper. Serve hot.
๐ฎ๐น Why You'll Make It Again (and Again)
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Quick and easy: Done in under 30 minutes.
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Restaurant flavor, home-cooked ease: Creamy, herby, and comforting.
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Endlessly customizable: Add spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or red pepper flakes for a kick.
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Meal-prep friendly: Makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.
๐ Final Thoughts
Italian Chicken Pasta is one of those magical meals that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen—but really, it’s just good ingredients doing their thing. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, it’s a dish that never disappoints.
So the next time you’re staring into your fridge wondering what to make, just say “pasta.” Your future self (and everyone at the table) will thank you.
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