If you love comforting, creamy dishes that come together quickly, then this Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to steal your heart. It’s a flavorful celebration of tender chicken, fresh baby spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes swirling together in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite bursts with that classic Italian-inspired goodness, yet it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for guests. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a favorite go-to dinner that you’ll find yourself craving on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step to crafting a dish that balances rich creaminess, bright freshness, and savory depth. Each element works in harmony to create the perfect Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe including tender chicken bites, vibrant vegetables, and that signature cheesy sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth richness and helps cook the chicken to golden perfection.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Provides lean protein with a tender texture that soaks up all the flavors.
- Italian seasoning: Brings aromatic herbs that infuse the chicken with classic Mediterranean notes.
- Garlic powder and minced garlic: Layered garlic flavors for depth and warmth throughout the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Cherry tomatoes: Give bursts of juicy sweetness and lovely color.
- Baby spinach: Adds a tender green freshness that wilts perfectly into the sauce.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: Creates the rich, silky base that ties everything together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Penne or your favorite pasta: The star vehicle to carry all the flavors straight to your mouth.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): For a bright, herbal garnish that elevates every bite.
How to Make Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in generously salted water until it’s al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a little bite, essential for the ideal texture contrast against the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain and set the pasta aside so it’s ready for the final toss.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to get it nice and hot. Season your chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper before adding them to the pan. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until each piece develops a beautiful golden crust and is cooked through. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet to rest.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Using the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits are flavor gold), toss in the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for a minute or two just until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes start softening, releasing their natural sweetness that will balance the richness later on.
Step 4: Add Greens and Cream
Next, stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt down for a minute or so. Pour in the cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. As the sauce warms, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens slightly into a velvety coating that is heady with cheese and savory goodness.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to make sure all the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce and studded with tender bites of chicken and bursts of tomato. Heat through just until warm and ready to serve.
How to Serve Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley not only add a pop of color but also a burst of freshness that complements the creamy richness beautifully. A little extra grated Parmesan right on top invites that savory tang with each forkful.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. The salad adds brightness and crunch, while the bread offers a satisfying way to mop up every last bit of that luxurious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pasta in wide shallow bowls to showcase the colors and textures, or even bake it briefly with a sprinkling of mozzarella for a bubbly, golden crust. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds an extra layer of interest for those who enjoy a little heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a quick, satisfying meal when you want to enjoy those flavors again without cooking from scratch.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta, but note the cream sauce may change texture slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce feels too thick. Stir occasionally to maintain that silky texture and avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully for its shape and texture, you can swap in fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti—just choose a pasta that holds sauce well.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter dish, half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even a creamy plant-based milk can work, though the sauce may be less rich and thick.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly as is, but if you like heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or as a garnish is a perfect way to kick it up a notch.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or roasted zucchini to keep that satisfying texture and flavor.
Is Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. Its solid protein and balanced ingredients keep well, making it a tasty and convenient option to prepare ahead for busy weekdays.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those satisfying dishes that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s a real crowd-pleaser with flavors that hug you like a warm, delicious hug. I cannot recommend it enough for anyone looking to add a reliable, crave-worthy meal to their rotation. Give it a try soon—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
A creamy and flavorful Italian Chicken Pasta featuring tender chicken breast cooked with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and spinach in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with penne pasta for a satisfying and easy stovetop meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
Sauce and Pasta
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces penne or your favorite pasta
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes begin to soften.
- Wilt Spinach and Make Sauce: Add the baby spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the chicken, pasta, and sauce are evenly combined and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Mushrooms can be sautéed with garlic and tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk or low-fat cream.
