Italian Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, savory herbs, and a creamy pasta sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Italian Chicken Pasta:
Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for a creamy sauce)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or your choice)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
4. Combine Chicken and Pasta:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together, adding a splash of pasta water if the sauce needs to loosen up.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips:
- Vegetable Add-ins: For added flavor and nutrition, you can include vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a bit more heat, you can add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Grilled Chicken: If you prefer, you can grill the chicken for a smokier flavor instead of pan-searing it.
This Italian Chicken Pasta is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of chicken, tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan creates a comforting dish that everyone will love!
