3 Easy Steps to the Perfect Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

Published: May 16, 2025

Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Delicious Comfort Food for Any Season

There’s a warm joy that fills the kitchen when you’re making pasta, and this Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s the kind of dish my grandmother used to whip up on chilly winter nights or serve chilled during lazy summer gatherings. She called it her “all-seasons pasta” – and it truly is.

Inspired by American-style Italian cuisine, this recipe blends the comforting textures of pasta with seasoned chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and a blend of herbs that take you straight to a rustic countryside kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a hearty winter meal or a vibrant summer dinner, this dish brings all the flavors you crave.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

✅ All-Season Friendly: Enjoy it warm for winter comfort or cool for a refreshing summer meal.
✅ Family-Friendly: Makes enough for five servings – perfect for dinner nights or small gatherings.
✅ Customizable: Add seasonal vegetables or swap the sauce to keep it fresh every time.
✅ Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and straightforward cooking, it’s a weeknight savior.

⭐ Why This Recipe Works

Familiar Yet Exciting: Combines traditional Italian flavors with a creamy twist that Americans love.
Flexible & Adaptable: Make it spicy, veggie-packed, or even dairy-free.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
Family Favorite: Kid-approved and great for hosting dinner guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Pasta:

12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta (or your favorite shape)
Salted water for boiling

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried basil
Salt & black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

🍗 Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken breasts and cook 5–6 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through.
Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.

🍝 Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.

🍅 Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Add Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the reserved pasta water for a silky finish.

🥘 Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well-coated in the sauce.
Top with sliced chicken and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

🧂 Seasoning Tips for Maximum Flavor

Salt generously: Especially your pasta water—it should taste like the sea.
Balance the acidity: A pinch of sugar can mellow sharp tomato flavor if needed.
Finish with herbs: Fresh basil or parsley gives a lovely aroma and pop of green.

🍴 Serving Suggestions & Plating Tips

Family Style: Serve in a large skillet at the center of the table for casual meals.
Elegant Dinner: Plate individually and top with a sprig of basil or a Parmesan crisp.
Side Dish Ideas:
- Lemon-dressed arugula salad
- Garlic knots or focaccia
- Roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini

🥗 Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)

Calories: 560
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Calcium: 20% DV
Iron: 15% DV

Tip: Use whole wheat pasta to increase fiber and nutrients.

Tips for the Best Italian Chicken Pasta

Use Fresh Garlic: It boosts the flavor in the sauce like nothing else.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Searing keeps it juicy and full of flavor.
Reserve Pasta Water: It helps thicken the sauce naturally.
Swap the Protein: Try Italian sausage or shrimp for variety.
Add Veggies: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms are great seasonal add-ins.

Making It Seasonal

🌞 For Summer:

Serve it lightly chilled or at room temperature.
Add cherry tomatoes, arugula, or roasted zucchini.
Finish with a drizzle of lemon juice for brightness.

❄️ For Winter:

Serve warm with extra Parmesan and chili flakes.
Add roasted butternut squash or sautéed kale.
Pair with a rich red wine or a hearty soup.

What to Serve With Italian Chicken Pasta

Appetizers: Bruschetta, Caprese salad, or marinated olives
Sides: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables
Desserts: Tiramisu, panna cotta, or lemon sorbet

🧺 Meal Prep & Storage

Make Ahead: Sauce can be made 2 days in advance. Just store in the fridge.
Reheating Tip: Add a splash of cream or broth when warming up to revive the sauce.
Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce (without pasta) in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

🌍 Regional Twist Ideas

Even though this dish leans American-Italian, you can try fun regional twists:

Tuscan Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and white beans.
Sicilian Inspired: Incorporate olives, capers, and a dash of chili flakes.
Roman Touch: Use guanciale or pancetta and replace cream with pecorino.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream content in the sauce.

Reader Favorite Variations

Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Extra Cheesy: Mix in mozzarella or ricotta before serving.
Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta.

Join the Table!

Did you make this Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your tips, tweaks, or even a photo on Instagram and tag me – let’s inspire more delicious meals together.

📣 Reader Reviews

“I made this last night and my picky kids asked for seconds—huge win! The sauce was creamy but not heavy. Will be making again.” – Rachel D.

“We added mushrooms and spinach, and it turned out amazing. A true comfort dish.” – Janelle

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