When it comes to comforting, satisfying meals that please even the pickiest eaters, few options can rival a hearty plate of creamy Italian chicken pasta. There’s something undeniably cozy about the combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and rich, velvety sauce – especially when infused with the bold flavors of Italy.
In this article, we’re excited to share 20 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the perfect blend of Italian flair and comforting familiarity. From classic dishes like Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta and Chicken Alfredo Pasta, to innovative twists like Spicy Arrabbiata Chicken Pasta and Pesto Chicken Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Savor the rich flavors of Italy with this easy-to-make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. This comforting dish combines juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta, all infused with the savory aroma of garlic and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 oz. pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, sauté chicken in olive oil until cooked through.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and combine with cooked pasta.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Chicken Pasta
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish that combines the goodness of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken with garlic until cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add olive oil to the same skillet and sauté sun-dried tomatoes for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
5. Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and tomato-spinach mixture. Toss to combine.
6. Top with Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Treat your taste buds to a rich and satisfying Italian-inspired dish with this creamy tuscan chicken pasta recipe. This hearty meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pasta of your choice (e.g. penne, fusilli)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with sauce.
5. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
6. Combine cooked pasta, chicken mixture, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Butter Chicken Alfredo Pasta
A creamy and citrusy twist on the classic pasta dish, this recipe combines tender chicken, tangy lemon butter sauce, and rich alfredo pasta for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. In a separate saucepan, combine lemon juice, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Add cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss until well coated. Add cooled chicken and stir until combined.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley or basil if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken Piccata Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this classic Italian dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and al dente noodles. This recipe is a quick and easy weeknight solution that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 ounces pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium and add white wine (if using), chicken broth, and lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Add reserved pasta water to the sauce and stir to combine.
6. Serve chicken on top of cooked pasta, spooning some of the piccata sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley (if desired).
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto Chicken Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A flavorful and colorful pasta dish that combines the creaminess of pesto sauce with the juiciness of cherry tomatoes, all wrapped up in tender chicken and al dente pasta.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken with garlic until cooked through; remove from heat.
3. Add pesto sauce to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they start to release their juices.
5. Combine cooked pasta, chicken mixture, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
A flavorful and satisfying pasta dish that’s ready in just one pot! This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta for a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of uncooked penne pasta
– 2 cups of chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken, onion, and garlic; cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3. Add the pasta, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
5. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken Marsala Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and savory recipe featuring chicken, mushrooms, and a hint of Marsala wine.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 oz pasta (e.g., fettuccine or pappardelle)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (e.g., cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Marsala wine
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, mushrooms, and garlic in olive oil until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Marsala wine and heavy cream; stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Toss cooked pasta with the chicken and Marsala sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Spicy Arrabbiata Chicken Pasta
A classic Italian-inspired dish with a spicy twist, this recipe combines juicy chicken, tangy tomatoes, and al dente pasta for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup arrabbiata sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 8 oz spaghetti
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add arrabbiata sauce to the pan and stir to combine with chicken. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine cooked spaghetti and chicken mixture in a large serving bowl.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken and Mushroom Fettuccine Alfredo
This classic Italian dish gets a savory twist with the addition of chicken and mushrooms, all wrapped up in a rich and creamy fettuccine alfredo sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer and let cook until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine cooked fettuccine, chicken, and mushroom mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked Italian Chicken Pasta Casserole
A hearty, one-dish meal that combines the flavors of Italy with the comfort of a warm casserole.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 8 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and chicken in a large bowl. Toss to combine.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Sprinkle parsley on top and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chicken Carbonara Pasta
Satisfy your cravings with this rich and indulgent pasta dish that combines the flavors of chicken, bacon, eggs, and parmesan cheese. This classic Italian recipe is quick to make and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a separate pan, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
3. Add chicken to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and parmesan cheese.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti, bacon-chicken mixture, and egg mixture in a large serving dish.
6. Toss everything together until well combined and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Pasta
Transform your pasta dish with the sweet and smoky flavor of roasted red peppers! This easy-to-make recipe combines juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss chicken with salt, pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat remaining 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Add roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, and chicken to the skillet. Stir in cooked pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Alfredo
This classic comfort food dish combines the flavors of chicken, broccoli, and pasta in a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken and broccoli in butter until cooked through.
3. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine cooked pasta, sauce, and reserved pasta water in a large serving bowl. Toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this flavorful and quick-to-make recipe that combines the freshness of basil, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the richness of chicken.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they release their juices and start to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in chopped basil and heavy cream. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine with tomato-basil sauce.
6. Toss cooked pasta with chicken and sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Top with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes from start to finish.
Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner, this chicken pesto pasta salad is a delicious twist on traditional pasta salads. With the bold flavors of basil and parmesan cheese, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz bowtie pasta
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.
3. Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells
This recipe combines the flavors of chicken, spinach, and ricotta cheese with the comfort of stuffed shells. It’s an easy and impressive dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, combine chicken, spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff each cooked pasta shell with the chicken-spinach mixture.
5. Place stuffed shells in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Chicken and Artichoke Pasta
A rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines the flavors of chicken, artichokes, and a creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. fettuccine pasta
– 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken and garlic over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add artichoke hearts and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked pasta and sauce. Toss until pasta is well coated.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken Cacciatore Pasta
This classic pasta recipe combines the flavors of chicken, mushrooms, and tomatoes for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 12 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, mushrooms, onion, and garlic until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine cooked pasta with the chicken mixture; toss to coat.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Chicken and Olive Pasta Putanesca
This classic Italian recipe combines succulent chicken with a bold and spicy sauce, featuring olives, capers, garlic, and tomatoes. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup capers, rinsed and drained
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic, olives, capers, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add cooked chicken back into the sauce and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toss cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with these 20 creamy chicken pasta recipes! From classic Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta to innovative dishes like Pesto Chicken Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, there’s something for everyone. Discover mouth-watering combinations like Lemon Butter Chicken Alfredo Pasta and Spicy Arrabbiata Chicken Pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these creamy chicken pasta recipes are sure to become new favorites. Try one (or two, or three…!) tonight!
