Italian Chicken Pasta is a deliciously creamy and comforting dish that brings together tender, seasoned chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce over a bed of spaghetti. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy family meal, this recipe combines savory Italian flavors with the creaminess of Parmesan and heavy cream.
The chicken is coated in a seasoned flour mixture and then pan-seared to golden perfection, adding a layer of flavor and a slight crunch. After cooking, the same skillet is used to build a sauce made from butter, garlic, tomatoes, and a splash of white wine, creating a foundation rich in both flavor and aroma. Heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning are added to finish the sauce, making it creamy, tangy, and with just the right amount of spice from red pepper flakes.
Once the sauce has thickened, cooked spaghetti is added and tossed to absorb the flavors, while the chicken cutlets are nestled back into the skillet, ready to serve. Garnished with extra Parmesan, this Italian-inspired dish is perfect when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying with a touch of elegance. Serve it hot, and enjoy a cozy meal packed with layers of flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Italian Chicken Pasta:
Rich and Creamy Sauce: The blend of Parmesan, cream, and white wine makes a luscious, savory sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti.
Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, yet the result tastes like an Italian restaurant-quality dish.
Easy to Customize: This dish allows you to easily switch up the pasta type or add extra veggies.
Comfort Food Favorite: Creamy pasta dishes are a family favorite, and this one is hearty and filling!
Key Ingredients:
For the Chicken
Chicken Cutlets: Using thin cutlets helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly. If you only have thicker chicken breasts, you can slice them in half horizontally.
Flour Mixture: The seasoned flour coating adds a light crust to the chicken, enhancing its flavor while keeping it tender.
Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning brings the essential herb flavors of basil, oregano, and thyme, infusing both the chicken and sauce with classic Italian notes.
For the Pasta
Spaghetti: Spaghetti is a great choice for this dish, but you can also use linguine, fettuccine, or any long pasta you have on hand.
Cooking Al Dente: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing extra flavor without becoming mushy.
For the Sauce
White Wine: White cooking wine adds depth to the sauce. If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with chicken broth for a similar depth.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy, rich texture. For a lighter sauce, you can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce, adding a savory flavor boost. Avoid pre-grated Parmesan, which doesn’t melt as well.
Red Pepper Flakes: These add a subtle warmth without making the sauce too spicy. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season and Coat the Chicken: In a Ziploc bag, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken cutlets, seal the bag, and shake to coat each piece evenly.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken cutlets and cook until they are browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened. Add minced garlic and diced tomatoes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Thicken with Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to coat.
Add the Wine: Pour in the white cooking wine and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Season and Add Cream: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes. Gradually whisk in the heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy tomato sauce. Nestle the chicken cutlets back into the skillet among the pasta and sauce.
Serve Hot: Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
This Italian Chicken Pasta is hearty on its own but pairs well with a few sides:
Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the extra sauce.
Salad: Serve with a simple green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, bell peppers, or broccoli add a nice touch of color and flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta and warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can dry out the sauce.
Freezing: The sauce alone can be frozen for up to a month. Reheat the sauce on the stovetop and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Variations:
Add Vegetables: Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach with the onions for added flavor and nutrition.
Swap Protein: Substitute the chicken cutlets with shrimp or Italian sausage for a new twist.
Spicy Tomato Cream: Increase the red pepper flakes and add a pinch of cayenne for a spicier version.
Herb-Garlic Butter Chicken: Before coating the chicken, mix fresh chopped herbs like rosemary and thyme with the flour mixture for an added layer of flavor.
Conclusion:
This Italian Chicken Pasta with a creamy tomato sauce is a cozy, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor yet easy enough to make on a weeknight. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or for guests, it’s sure to impress. So, pour yourself a glass of wine, grab a fork, and enjoy each creamy, cheesy, delicious bite!
