There’s something downright magical about a big bowl of Italian Chicken Pasta: tender chicken, al dente noodles, creamy Parmesan sauce, the pop of cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs all mingling together into one blissfully comforting meal. This is one of those recipes you’ll turn to time and time again — whether it’s a busy weeknight or a more relaxed weekend dinner with family. Easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough to wow company, Italian Chicken Pasta really is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Let me show you all the details that make this dish a staple in my kitchen!

Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Italian Chicken Pasta relies on familiar, simple ingredients that come together to create incredible flavor and irresistible texture. Each component has a role to play — from juicy chicken and chewy pasta to the creamy sauce flecked with greens and tomatoes. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, plus a few tips for extra flavor!

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken for easy bite-sized pieces that cook up juicy and quick.
Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the chicken and bringing a rich, fruity note to the whole dish.
Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs soaks into the chicken and sauce, lending classic Mediterranean aromas.
Garlic powder: A sprinkle on the chicken ensures an all-over garlicky flavor boost.
Salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors — don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a gentle kick and aromatic finish.
Pasta: Penne or rotini hold the sauce beautifully, but use your favorite short pasta shape.
Butter: Adds extra richness to the sauce and helps cook down the aromatics.
Fresh garlic: Minced garlic brings sharp, sweet depth when sautéed — don’t skimp!
Cherry tomatoes: Burst with color and sweet acidity as they cook down in the sauce.
Baby spinach: Wilts into the sauce for a vibrant pop of green and nutrition.
Heavy cream: The base for our dreamy, silky sauce — substitute half and half if you’d like to lighten things up.
Parmesan cheese: Grate it fresh if possible for the best creamy, nutty flavor.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For lovers of a gentle heat, sprinkle a pinch in the sauce.
Fresh basil or parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top right before serving for an aromatic, herby finish.

How to Make Italian Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your pasta. Make sure to cook until just al dente — the pasta will get cozy with the sauce later, so you want it to hold its shape. Before draining, remember to reserve a half cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s liquid gold for creating the perfect, glossy sauce at the end!

Step 2: Sauté and Season the Chicken

While your pasta bubbles away, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add them to the hot skillet and give them space so they brown, not steam. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is golden on the outside and cooked through. Set the chicken aside to keep it juicy while you work on the rest.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

In that same wonderful skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat, then stir in the minced garlic. When you smell that sweet garlic fragrance (after just 30 seconds or so), add the cherry tomatoes. Let them cook until they soften and burst with their delicious juice, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the spinach and let it wilt for extra color and nutrition.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Now, pour in the heavy cream and bring it all to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if you’d like a little kick. Let the sauce bubble for another 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes irresistible creamy — you’ll see it start to coat the back of your spoon.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

It’s time to bring the whole masterpiece together! Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing well to coat every piece in that luscious sauce. If the sauce feels a bit thick, splash in some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s just the consistency you love. Serve hot and sprinkle generously with fresh basil or parsley plus a little extra Parmesan for good measure.

How to Serve Italian Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Nothing finishes a bowl of Italian Chicken Pasta like a little flourish on top! I love scattering heaps of freshly chopped basil or parsley to add color and brightness, plus an extra snowdrift of grated Parmesan for that restaurant-style touch. If you like a bit of heat, a dusting of red pepper flakes over the top is downright addictive.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but serving it alongside a crisp green salad (think arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts) balances out the creamy pasta beautifully. A basket of warm, crusty bread or garlicky breadsticks is perfect for swiping up any leftover sauce — and honestly, who can resist?

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, try piling the Italian Chicken Pasta high on a wide serving platter, twirling the noodles with tongs for that “Italian bistro” look. Individual bowls look gorgeous with a dramatic swirl of sauce, a few artfully arranged cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. For a casual party, let everyone help themselves straight from the pan — it’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Italian Chicken Pasta cool completely before scooping it into airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors have a chance to meld even more. If you’ve added fresh herbs on top, toss on a couple more before reheating to freshen things up.

Freezing

You can freeze Italian Chicken Pasta for up to two months! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, making sure the pasta is coated in sauce to help prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir regularly so nothing sticks and everything heats evenly. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken, as you want it to stay tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I substitute a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While penne and rotini are excellent for capturing the creamy sauce, other shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, bow ties, or even spaghetti work beautifully in Italian Chicken Pasta. Just cook until al dente and enjoy.

How can I lighten up the sauce?

To reduce richness, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half, or use a blend of cream and low-sodium chicken broth. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful but a bit lighter on the palate (and the waistline!).

Is there a dairy-free version of Italian Chicken Pasta?

Definitely! Use your favorite unsweetened, plain plant-based milk (like oat or cashew cream) in place of dairy, and opt for a vegan Parmesan-style cheese. A drizzle of olive oil at the end adds silkiness if you need it.

What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?

Just swap in your favorite certified gluten-free pasta. The sauce and chicken are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy adaptation for anyone avoiding wheat.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes, using rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken is the ultimate time-saver for Italian Chicken Pasta. Just skip the sautéing step, slice or shred the cooked chicken, and stir it in with the pasta at the end until it’s heated through.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to home cooking or looking for a fresh twist on a classic, Italian Chicken Pasta is pure dinner joy in a bowl. Gather your loved ones, pour yourself a glass of something cozy, and watch how this dreamy, creamy pasta disappears in record time. Give it a try — it might just become your new favorite, too!

Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Italian Chicken Pasta recipe that combines tender chicken, flavorful tomatoes, and spinach in a rich Parmesan sauce. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s easy to make for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta:

12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook in a skillet until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, tomatoes, and spinach. Stir in cream, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
Combine and Serve: Add pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Serve hot, garnished with basil or parsley.