Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

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This Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is the kind of comforting dish that turns an ordinary evening into something worth remembering. With tender, juicy grilled chicken, velvety cream sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a mix of bold Italian herbs, it brings together simplicity and rich flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that looks and tastes gourmet, but comes together with minimal effort.

Imagine sitting down to a warm bowl of this creamy pasta after a long day—the chicken is packed with seasoning and grilled to a gorgeous char, while the cream sauce clings to every strand of pasta like a comforting hug. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a cozy solo dinner, this dish delivers on all fronts.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

• It’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough for weekends.
• Balanced flavors of garlic, herbs, and cream create a delicious harmony.
• The chicken stays juicy thanks to a simple marinade.
• It’s endlessly customizable with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes.
• Pairs wonderfully with wine, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

While fettuccine or penne are the most traditional choices for creamy pasta dishes, you can really use any pasta you love. Short pastas like rotini or rigatoni hold the sauce well and add a nice bite. If you want something lighter, try spaghetti or linguine. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up in the creamy sauce without getting mushy.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor and texture for this pasta dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Chicken breast – Lean, protein-packed, and takes on seasoning beautifully. Grilled or seared for a flavorful crust.
• Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rotini) – The vehicle for all that creamy, herby goodness. Choose your favorite shape!
• Heavy cream – Forms the luxurious base of the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds nuttiness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Garlic – Aromatic and essential for that classic Italian flavor.
• Olive oil – For cooking the chicken and boosting flavor.
• Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for depth.
• Salt and black pepper – Simple but necessary to balance the richness.
• Fresh parsley – For a fresh finishing touch.

How To Make the Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry, then season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken on both sides until golden and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes per side). Let it rest before slicing.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Cook your pasta of choice in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve a cup of the pasta water.

Step 3: Create the Cream Sauce

In the same pan used for the chicken, add a little more olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Slice Chicken and Serve

Slice the rested chicken breast and place it over the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

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Serving and Storing This Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

This dish serves about 4 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or leftovers for lunch the next day. Serve it hot right after tossing the pasta in the creamy sauce to enjoy its rich texture and bold flavors at their best.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid freezing, as the cream sauce can separate and lose its silky texture.

What to Serve With Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect sidekick to soak up any extra sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli add color and a healthy touch.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, tangy Caesar dressing, and Parmesan make a refreshing contrast.

Bruschetta

Tomatoes, basil, and balsamic on toasted bread for a bright, zesty bite.

Caprese Skewers

Mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic.

Sauteed Spinach

Quick-cooked spinach with garlic adds a nutritious green side.

Grilled Asparagus

Lightly charred asparagus offers crunch and a bit of earthiness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and add a deeper flavor. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly and slice thinly before serving.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and even make the sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh. Reheat everything gently and combine just before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of flour or cornstarch can be used, though the sauce may be less rich. Plant-based alternatives like coconut cream work too for a dairy-free version.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all! But you can spice it up by adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or marinating the chicken with a bit of chili powder.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use penne or fettuccine? Add mushrooms or spinach?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook better, faster, and with more flavor.

For more delicious meals like this, follow along on my Pinterest board: Meals We Share By Sally.

Conclusion

Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s easy enough for busy weeknights but elegant enough for guests. With juicy chicken, a velvety sauce, and al dente pasta, it checks every box for a satisfying, home-cooked meal. Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite go-to dinner!

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