Julia Koch
Craving something cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor that feels like a hug in a bowl? This Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta recipe wraps everything we love about Italian comfort food into one dish: tender chicken, a luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta that pulls it all together.
This dish brings restaurant-style indulgence to your own kitchen—without complicated steps or a long list of ingredients. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, it’s one of those recipes you’ll bookmark and return to again and again. Let’s break down how to get that creamy, dreamy perfection.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To pull off Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta with minimal fuss, you need a few key kitchen tools:
- Heavy Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is crucial for searing the chicken until golden-brown while evenly heating the cream sauce without scorching.
- Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: A roomy pot prevents overcrowding, ensuring your pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
- Tongs or a Fish Spatula: These help you flip and handle the chicken gently without tearing it.
- Whisk: Vital for blending the cream sauce smoothly, especially when adding Parmesan.
- Colander: To quickly drain the pasta while preserving a bit of the pasta water (great for adjusting sauce consistency).
Having these tools ready sets you up for success and makes the cooking process seamless.
Ingredients for the Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for quick searing and soak up the rich sauce beautifully.
- Olive Oil & Butter: This combo adds depth of flavor when cooking the chicken and forms the base of the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the entire dish with aromatic intensity.
- Heavy Cream: Provides the rich, creamy texture that coats the pasta luxuriously.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and thins the cream slightly without losing flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding saltiness and nutty richness.
- Italian Seasoning: A balanced blend of herbs that brings an authentic Italian flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper (optional): Adds a touch of heat that contrasts perfectly with the cream.
- Pasta (Fettuccine or Linguine): Long noodles work best for capturing the creamy sauce in every strand.
- Chopped Parsley: A fresh, vibrant finish that brightens the whole dish.
How To Make the Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Start the Creamy Sauce
In the same pan, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits.
Step 3: Build the Cream Base
Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan cheese gradually, whisking until smooth and thickened. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper if using.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving some of the pasta water.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Slice the cooked chicken. Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if needed for silkiness. Nestle the chicken on top and let everything warm together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and creamy right from the skillet.
Serving and Storing Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is best served immediately while the sauce is warm and glossy. Serve it directly from the skillet with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and parsley, and maybe a slice of garlic bread or a side salad to balance the richness.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add more flavor and stay juicy. Adjust the cook time slightly to ensure they cook through.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli work well without overpowering the cream sauce.
What kind of Parmesan should I use?
Always go for freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded. It melts better and provides a richer taste.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen and thawed, so freezing isn’t recommended for best texture. Enjoy fresh or refrigerate for short-term storage.
What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If it’s too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water or more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer or add more Parmesan cheese.
Want More Italian Pasta Ideas?
If you’re drawn to the indulgence of this Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta, you’ll want to explore more dishes that celebrate pasta and bold flavors.
For a beefier twist, try the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta — a hearty, meaty option that’s just as comforting. Or spice things up with the Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta if you’re craving bold flavor.
For those who love creaminess with a veggie touch, the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a great starter to serve alongside this pasta. And don’t miss the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe for a fiery oven-baked experience.
Feeling creative? The Italian Grinder Salad makes a crunchy, tangy pairing that contrasts beautifully with the rich pasta.
Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out
You can save this to your dinner boards for inspiration. Just click the Pin button.
When you make it, I’d genuinely love to hear how yours turned out. Did you try it with fettuccine or go rogue with penne? Did you add a twist? Drop your thoughts in the comments below — it’s always a joy to see how others bring these recipes to life.
Looking for more comforting dinner recipes? Come follow me on Pinterest where I post new ideas daily under LadyPlate.
Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta RecipeCreamy Italian Chicken Pasta RecipeCreamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta brings the warmth of a classic Italian comfort meal straight to your table. With seared chicken, a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is weeknight-easy yet impressive enough for guests. Each bite is rich, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 pinch crushed red pepper (optional)
8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add more butter if needed and sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
6. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
7. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add crushed red pepper if using.
8. Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
9. Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
10. Add pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
11. Nestle sliced chicken on top and heat everything together for 1–2 minutes.
12. Garnish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
For ultra-creamy sauce, always use full-fat heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan.
Don’t skip resting the chicken before slicing—it keeps the juices locked in.
A splash of pasta water is your secret weapon for silky sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 470
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 22
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 37
- Cholesterol: 155
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, Italian pasta, chicken alfredo, garlic parmesan chicken
