Zesty Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Family-Favorite Feast

Italian chicken pasta emerges as a delightful culinary adventure that promises comfort and excitement on your plate.

Imagine tender, succulent chicken dancing among perfectly cooked noodles, infused with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

Herbs and spices weave their magic, creating a symphony of tastes that transport you straight to a charming Italian kitchen.

Rich, aromatic ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a harmonious balance of protein and carbohydrates.

Creamy sauces or zesty tomato-based preparations can elevate this classic dish into something truly spectacular.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients with elegant techniques that make cooking feel like an enjoyable art form.

You can find yourself falling in love with every flavorful bite of this irresistible meal.

Italian Chicken Pasta Q&A

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with fettuccine, penne, or linguine. Just cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also include some chopped fresh jalapeños for more heat.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour for coating the chicken and choose gluten-free pasta. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Cook the chicken and sauce separately, store in the refrigerator, and reheat gently before combining with fresh pasta just before serving. The dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for 1-2 days.

Italian Chicken Pasta Everyone Craves

• This Italian chicken pasta delivers a mouthwatering combination of tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly seasoned ingredients that create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
• The simple one-pan cooking method makes this recipe incredibly approachable, allowing home cooks to create a sophisticated dish with minimal cleanup and straightforward preparation steps.
• Adaptable ingredients let you adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add extra vegetables, making this recipe perfect for family dinners, date nights, or quick weeknight meals that satisfy every craving.
• Crispy coated chicken meets silky smooth sauce and perfectly al dente pasta, creating a multi-layered texture experience that keeps every bite interesting and deliciously memorable.

Must-Have Ingredients for Italian Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Cutlets: Hearty protein that adds substance to the dish, choose fresh and uniform in size for even cooking.

• Flour, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Flavorful coating that creates a crisp exterior and enhances chicken's taste, select fresh spices for best results.

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that captures sauce perfectly, choose good quality pasta for authentic texture.

• Butter, Onion, Garlic: Base that builds deep flavor profile, use fresh garlic for maximum aromatics.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds bright acidity and texture to sauce.
• White Cooking Wine: Provides depth and complexity to sauce's flavor.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates rich and smooth sauce texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp and salty note, use freshly grated for best melting.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Red Pepper Flakes: Provides layered and balanced flavor, adjust to personal heat preference.

Simple Steps for Creamy Italian Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until perfectly al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook Chicken

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Combine all coating ingredients in a large Ziploc bag. Add chicken cutlets, seal, and shake to coat evenly.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken cutlets until golden brown and fully cooked on both sides. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create Luscious Sauce

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Diced tomatoes

Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring to create a roux.

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Red pepper flakes

Gradually whisk in heavy whipping cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking until sauce reaches a rich, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each strand. Nestle cooked chicken cutlets into the pasta.

Plate immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve piping hot and enjoy the burst of Italian flavors.

Pro Tip: For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top before serving.

Tips for Flavorful Chicken Pasta Success

• Perfectly Coat Chicken: Shake the chicken in a sealed bag with seasoned flour to ensure even, crispy coverage that locks in flavor and creates a delightful golden-brown exterior.
• Master Sauce Consistency: Whisk the cream and Parmesan gradually to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
• Control Skillet Heat: Adjust the stovetop temperature carefully when sautéing onions and garlic to prevent burning and maintain a rich, aromatic base for your sauce.
• Balance Seasoning Carefully: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes incrementally to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile that doesn't overpower the delicate chicken and cream sauce.
• Rest Chicken Briefly: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before adding back to the pasta, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.

Storage & Reheating for Italian Pasta Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Italian chicken pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Microwave Option: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a little liquid if the sauce seems dry.

What Goes Well with Chicken Pasta

• Elevate with Crisp Chardonnay: The creamy tomato sauce and Italian-seasoned chicken pair perfectly with a chilled, buttery Chardonnay that complements the dish's rich flavors and cuts through the heaviness.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Sidekick: Crusty, toasted garlic bread becomes the ideal companion, helping to soak up the delicious sauce and providing a crunchy texture contrast to the soft pasta.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: A light, peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette will balance the richness of the chicken pasta, adding a bright, zesty element to the meal.
• Finish with Tiramisu Delight: End the dining experience with a classic Italian tiramisu, whose coffee and mascarpone notes beautifully round out the savory main course and provide a sweet conclusion.

Chicken Pasta Variations to Try Next

• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Swap white wine for tequila and add roasted corn and black beans to the sauce for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Use orzo pasta instead of spaghetti. Incorporate kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh oregano. Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Richness: Blend sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce for deeper flavor. Add spinach leaves and use roasted red pepper flakes. Switch Parmesan for pecorino romano cheese to enhance the robust Mediterranean profile.
• Creamy Mushroom Enhancement: Sauté sliced cremini or porcini mushrooms with the onions. Include a splash of white truffle oil and fresh thyme. Reduce cream slightly and sprinkle extra herbs for an earthy, woodland-inspired variation.

Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Italian chicken pasta promises a delightful culinary journey through Mediterranean flavors. Tender chicken, al dente noodles, and rich sauce create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 5 boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets

Pasta and Seasonings for Chicken:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti noodles
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Coating and Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup (60 grams) flour
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 4 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 small tomatoes (diced)
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup white cooking wine
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Prepare the spaghetti according to package guidelines until perfectly tender. Drain thoroughly and reserve for later assembly.
2. Create a seasoning blend by mixing flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs in a sealable container. Thoroughly coat chicken cutlets with the spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully place seasoned chicken cutlets into the pan, cooking until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium and melt butter. Sauté finely chopped onions until translucent and soft. Introduce minced garlic and diced tomatoes, stirring briefly to release aromatic flavors.
5. Dust the vegetable mixture with flour, stirring to create a smooth base. Pour in white cooking wine and allow the liquid to simmer, creating a thickening sauce. Incorporate Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes for depth of flavor.
6. Gradually whisk heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the sauce, continuing to stir until the mixture reaches a luxurious, creamy consistency.
7. Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring each strand is evenly coated. Carefully nestle the prepared chicken cutlets into the pasta mixture.
8. Plate the dish immediately, offering an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Master this one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy Italian feast in under 30 minutes.
• Perfectly seasoned chicken cutlets create a golden, crispy exterior that locks in juicy, tender meat.
• Create a luxurious creamy tomato sauce using white wine and heavy cream for an authentic Italian restaurant experience at home.
• The flour coating technique ensures a crisp chicken texture while preventing moisture loss during cooking.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, making this recipe adaptable for mild or spicy preference lovers.
• Leftover pasta can be refrigerated and reheated gently, maintaining delicious flavor and creamy sauce consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg