Italian Chicken Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy, savory sauce. This dish is bursting with classic Italian flavors like garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, complemented by the fresh sweetness of tomatoes and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal, this pasta recipe is both comforting and elegant.
The golden-browned chicken and silky cream sauce make this dish a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Serve it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian feast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Rich and Creamy: The velvety Parmesan cream sauce coats the pasta beautifully.
• Classic Italian Flavors: Garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh tomatoes make this dish aromatic and flavorful.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to adapt with your favorite vegetables or pasta.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
• 5 boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets
• ½ cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons oil
For the Pasta:
• 12 oz spaghetti noodles
For the Sauce:
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 small tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
1. In a large Ziploc bag, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Shake to mix.
2. Add the chicken cutlets to the bag and shake until they are evenly coated with the flour mixture.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the coated chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and diced tomatoes, cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir to combine.
5. Add the red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning, stirring well.
6. Gradually whisk in the heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese.
7. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
2. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the pasta and sauce.
3. Cook for 1-2 minutes to warm the chicken through.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
• Customize the Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp or leave it out for a vegetarian version.
• Fresh Parmesan: Grating Parmesan cheese fresh from the block ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Thicker Sauce: Let the sauce simmer a bit longer if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
Italian Chicken Pasta is a delightful combination of creamy indulgence and comforting flavors. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a staple in your home!
