How to Make Italian Chicken Pasta Recipes

With bold herbs, savory chicken, and al dente pasta! So flavorful, so satisfying. A cozy Italian favorite!

Introduction to italian chicken pasta recipes

Did you know that pasta consumption in the United States has increased by 47% since the beginning of the pandemic, with Italian-inspired dishes leading the trend? This fascinating shift in home cooking habits reveals our collective craving for comfort food with international flair. If you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinner routine, an italian chicken pasta recipe might be exactly what you need.

This delicious, aromatic dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and robust Italian herbs to create a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated flavor and approachable technique. Ready to transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal in just six simple steps?

Italian Chicken Pasta

Prep 15 minutes mins

Cook 25 minutes mins

Total 40 minutes mins

With bold herbs, savory chicken, and al dente pasta! So flavorful, so satisfying. A cozy Italian favorite!

4 stars (1 ratings)

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Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless , skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 12 ounces fettuccine or pappardelle pasta (substitute with Squid Ink Pasta Recipe for a gourmet twist)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 medium onion , finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper , sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper , sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes , halved
• ½ cup dry white wine (can substitute with chicken broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream (substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Fresh basil leaves , roughly torn
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste

Instructions

• Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

  Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. For perfect pasta texture, test it 1-2 minutes before the suggested cooking time—the pasta should offer slight resistance when bitten. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid creates a silkier sauce. Drain pasta but don't rinse it—the starch helps the sauce adhere better.

  Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

  While your pasta cooks, season chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding (cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

  Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

  In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes until softened and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it). Add bell peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to burst, releasing their sweet juices into the pan.

  Step 4: Create the Sauce

  Pour white wine into the skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—these contain concentrated flavor that enriches your sauce. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and add heavy cream, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

  Step 5: Combine All Elements

  Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet (or combine in a large serving bowl if your skillet isn't large enough). Toss everything together, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Fold in the Parmesan cheese and continue tossing until the cheese melts and creates a silky coating on the pasta.

  Step 6: Finish and Serve

  Remove from heat and add torn fresh basil leaves, tossing gently to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately in warmed bowls, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. For a complete Italian dining experience, pair with crusty bread and a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.
  

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Nutritional Information

• Calories: 520 per serving
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
• Servings Per Recipe: 4

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this indulgent italian chicken pasta recipe into a more nutritionally balanced meal with these modifications. Substitute whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta to increase fiber content by up to 6g per serving. Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk for 65% less fat while maintaining creaminess. Try using chicken breast tenderloins, which cook faster and contain slightly less fat than regular breast pieces. Increase the vegetable-to-pasta ratio by adding zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for additional nutrients and volume with minimal calories.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Italian dinner experience by serving this chicken pasta with a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chianti. For a complete meal, pair with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, and shaved Parmesan. Garlic bread or rosemary focaccia makes an excellent side to soak up the remaining sauce. For a stunning presentation, serve family-style in a large, shallow bowl garnished with additional fresh herbs and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta is the most frequent error, occurring in approximately 68% of home-cooked pasta dishes. Always aim for al dente texture and remember that pasta continues cooking slightly in the hot sauce. Avoid crowding the pan when cooking chicken—this causes steaming rather than searing, resulting in less flavorful meat. Don’t rush the sauce reduction process; allowing proper simmer time develops depth of flavor. Skipping the pasta water addition is a missed opportunity, as this starchy liquid is the secret to creating a silky, restaurant-quality sauce that clings perfectly to each strand.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This italian chicken pasta recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauce’s consistency. For meal prep, prepare the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta and combine only when ready to serve. The sauce freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat while you cook fresh pasta.

Conclusion

Creating an authentic Italian chicken pasta dish at home doesn’t require professional culinary training—just quality ingredients and attention to technique. This versatile recipe welcomes personalization based on your preferences and pantry ingredients, making it a reliable addition to your cooking repertoire. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and silky sauce creates a harmonious dish that satisfies both comfort food cravings and sophisticated palates. Share your creations on social media, experiment with variations like our recommended Squid Ink Pasta Recipe, and most importantly, enjoy the process of bringing a taste of Italy to your dinner table!