Dreamy Chicken Pasta in a Creamy Italian Sauce Recipe for Dinner

Whipping up this dreamy chicken pasta with an irresistible Italian sauce promises a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

My kitchen experiments have revealed some serious magic happens when simple ingredients blend perfectly.

Comfort meets elegance in this straightforward recipe that doesn’t demand professional chef skills.

Imagine soft, tender chicken nestled in silky, rich sauce coating perfectly cooked pasta – pure deliciousness awaits.

Mediterranean flavors come alive through carefully selected ingredients that sing together harmoniously.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible pasta creation.

Creamy Dreamy Chicken Pasta and Why It’s Pure Weeknight Magic

• Speedy Weeknight Savior: Whip up this delectable pasta dish in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy families craving a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with sun-dried tomatoes, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste that will wow your taste buds and impress dinner guests.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this convenient recipe that uses a single skillet, reducing dish washing and saving precious time after a long day of work or family activities.
• Nutritious Comfort Food: Incorporates nutritious spinach and protein-packed chicken, transforming a classic comfort meal into a balanced, satisfying dinner that keeps everyone happy and well-fed.

Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein that forms the heart of the dish, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential seasonings that enhance chicken's natural taste and add aromatic depth.

• Pasta: Provides a hearty foundation for the creamy sauce, select a shape that holds sauce well like penne or fettuccine.
• Chicken Broth: Adds rich, savory undertones to the sauce's overall flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture that makes the sauce creamy and indulgent.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken and adding subtle fruity notes.
• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for sautéing garlic and creating sauce.
• Garlic: Brings sharp, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds intense, concentrated tomato flavor with slight tanginess.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes salty, nutty taste and helps thicken the sauce.
• Spinach: Introduces fresh, green element with additional nutritional value.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Cooking Guide

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Drop in your pasta and cook until it reaches that ideal al dente texture.

Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, letting it rest while you work on the magical sauce.

Step 2: Sizzle and Season Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat.

Lay the seasoned chicken pieces into the hot pan, cooking until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are completely cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest momentarily.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, melt butter until it’s bubbling.

Add minced garlic and sauté until it releases its intoxicating fragrance.

Toss in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for a quick minute, allowing them to soften and meld with the garlic.

Step 4: Craft Luxurious Cream Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety mixture that promises pure deliciousness.

Step 5: Combine All Delectable Elements

Slice the rested chicken into tempting strips.

Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the waiting pasta and fresh spinach.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient is beautifully coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Transfer the pasta to serving plates.

Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of indulgence.

Serve immediately while the dish is warm and the flavors are at their peak.

Creamy Pasta Tips for Dreamy Chicken Recipes

• Choose al dente pasta to maintain perfect texture and prevent mushiness when mixed with the creamy sauce.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Gradually whisk Parmesan cheese into warm sauce to prevent clumping and create a silky, luxurious consistency.
• Add fresh spinach at the very end to preserve its bright color and prevent wilting, ensuring a vibrant and nutritious dish.
• Reserve a small amount of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and add an extra layer of savory depth if needed.

Keeping Creamy Chicken Pasta Again

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta remains fresh and flavorful.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and maintain the creamy sauce's consistency.
• Freeze the pasta in sealed freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Best Pairings for Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy sauce and cut through its richness, refreshing the palate with bright, acidic notes.
• Herb-Infused Garlic Bread: Create a side of toasted garlic bread with fresh parsley and thyme to absorb the delicious sauce, adding extra texture and enhancing the Italian-inspired flavors.
• Fresh Salad Balance: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the pasta's creaminess, introducing a peppery, zesty element that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Rustic Red Wine Option: For red wine lovers, choose a light-bodied Chianti or Barbera that won't overpower the delicate chicken and creamy sauce, providing a smooth Mediterranean dining experience.

Dreamy Chicken Pasta in a Creamy Italian Sauce Pasta Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, cheesy flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use cauliflower rice as an alternative base for a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or plant-based chicken alternatives. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for more protein and texture.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make this pasta dish special?

The key ingredients are chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy sauce made with chicken broth and heavy cream. These components create a rich, flavorful Italian-inspired meal.

• Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just ensure the protein is cooked thoroughly and seasoned well to maintain the dish’s delicious flavor profile.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

While delicious, the dish is relatively rich due to heavy cream and butter. It’s a moderate-calorie meal best enjoyed in moderation. You can make it slightly healthier by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or adding more vegetables.

• How difficult is this recipe for a home cook?

This pasta dish is beginner-friendly and takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The steps are straightforward, requiring basic cooking skills like sautéing chicken and making a simple cream sauce. Even novice cooks can successfully make this meal.

Dreamy Chicken Pasta in a Creamy Italian Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent Dreamy Chicken Pasta whisks you through Italian culinary landscapes with silky, herb-infused cream sauce. Succulent chicken and perfectly al dente pasta promise a delectable journey that lingers deliciously on your palate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta and Dairy:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta of choice
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/3 cup (50 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup (30 grams) fresh spinach
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta by boiling in salted water until perfectly al dente, then thoroughly drain and keep warm.
2. Generously coat chicken pieces with a blend of aromatic seasonings, then sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until achieving a beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking.
3. Without cleaning the skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, releasing its intense aromatics. Quickly incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to bloom and intensify their rich flavor profile.
4. Create a luxurious sauce by whisking chicken broth, velvety heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until achieving a silky, smooth consistency.
5. Delicately slice the perfectly cooked chicken into elegant strips, then reunite with the creamy sauce. Gently fold in the reserved pasta and fresh spinach, ensuring every ingredient is harmoniously coated.
6. Transfer the sumptuous mixture to serving plates, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of decadent flavor.

Notes

• Choose gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior when cooking.
• Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a brighter, more vibrant color and fresher taste.
• Customize the dish by adding roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flair.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg