Hello, pasta lovers! Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or simply seeking comfort food with a creamy twist, this Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish to try. The delightful combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce will make this meal your new go-to for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together and transform your kitchen into a hub of irresistible Italian aromas!
Introduction
Italian cuisine has always been synonymous with comfort, and this dish truly captures that essence. The Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta takes classic ingredients—pasta, chicken, and a robust sauce—and elevates them with Italian herbs and a touch of cream. The simplicity of the recipe allows the fresh ingredients to shine, making it a favorite among busy families and home cooks. My love for pasta was born from family dinners around the table, where rich, creamy sauces like this one always took center stage. This dish holds a special place in my heart, and I hope it will in yours too!
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:
- For the Chicken:
- 5 boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp oil
- For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 tsp minced garlic
- 2 small tomatoes, diced
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version, though it may alter the flavor slightly. Gluten-free pasta can be used as well to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
How to Make Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re al dente, drain and set them aside. This will ensure the pasta is ready to soak up the creamy sauce later.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large Ziploc bag, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Shake well to mix the ingredients. Add the chicken cutlets to the bag, ensuring they are evenly coated. Heat oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes, sautéing until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk in the heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta and chicken in the sauce until well-coated. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Make sure to fully coat the chicken in the flour mixture before cooking. This not only adds flavor but also creates a slight crust, which helps the sauce adhere better to the chicken.
- For an even richer flavor, try using homemade pasta or opt for fresh tomatoes when in season.
Cooking Tips
- Using a high-quality Parmesan cheese will significantly enhance the overall flavor of the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer for a few extra minutes. This will reduce the liquid and make it more luscious.
- A non-stick or cast-iron skillet is ideal for cooking the chicken as it ensures even browning without sticking.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. For beverages, consider serving a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, to complement the creamy richness of the sauce. Additionally, some warm, crusty garlic bread will help soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a single serving of this flavorful pasta dish:
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 600
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Potassium: 650mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 15% of Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 20% of Daily Value
- Calcium: 25% of Daily Value
- Iron: 10% of Daily Value
This recipe is packed with protein from the chicken and pasta, offering a well-balanced meal. The tomatoes and garlic bring a boost of vitamin C, while the Parmesan cheese adds calcium.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better with time, so it’s a great option for meal prep!
- Reheat: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
For an exciting twist, use the leftovers as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or toss them with some fresh vegetables for a pasta salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast cutlets?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor due to their higher fat content, though they may take slightly longer to cook. - What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream?
Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk are good substitutes if you want a lighter or dairy-free version. - Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the spaghetti with a gluten-free alternative and ensure your flour blend is gluten-free as well.
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Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta to bring people together. The combination of tender chicken, silky pasta, and rich sauce is a recipe for success. I hope you’ll give this dish a try and share it with your loved ones. Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your experience or any creative twists you made to the recipe!
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Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe – Easy & Delicious
Description
Hello, pasta lovers! Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or simply seeking comfort food with a creamy twist, this Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish to try. The delightful combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce will make this meal your new go-to for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together and transform your kitchen into a hub of irresistible Italian aromas!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 5 boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp oil
- For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 tsp minced garlic
- 2 small tomatoes, diced
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re al dente, drain and set them aside. This will ensure the pasta is ready to soak up the creamy sauce later.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large Ziploc bag, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Shake well to mix the ingredients. Add the chicken cutlets to the bag, ensuring they are evenly coated. Heat oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes, sautéing until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk in the heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta and chicken in the sauce until well-coated. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to fully coat the chicken in the flour mixture before cooking. This not only adds flavor but also creates a slight crust, which helps the sauce adhere better to the chicken.
- For an even richer flavor, try using homemade pasta or opt for fresh tomatoes when in season.
