What is Chicken Pasta? What is that one recipe that feels like a warm hug on chilly evening? You have a million things going on and still need to put something delicious on the table. I’ve made this chicken pasta more times than I can count, and every single time, it gets the same flavor. My kids, who can be notoriously picky eaters, actually ask for this! Is it like the baked ziti my mom used to make? What are some of the best weeknight meals? What is your new best friend? Is it fancy, but packed with flavor and love?
What is this dreamy chicken pasta?
What is this magical Chicken Pasta? At its heart, it’s a simple, creamy pasta dish featuring tender pieces of chicken and your favorite toppings. All coated in a rich velvety sauce that’s just bursting with flavor. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food, elevated. Is it overly complicated? What is the magic of tomato sauce? What’s the perfect amount of savory goodness from the chicken and the pasta? What are some recipes that make your kitchen smell amazing while baking? With each passing minute, anticipation builds. What is a warm hug in the bowl, but don’t let that fool you? Is this a good main meal?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, there are so many reasons why this Chicken Pasta has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation, and I just know you’re going to love it too. First off, the flavor is just out of this world. It’s savory, creamy, a little tangy, and perfectly seasoned. The chicken stays incredibly moist, and the sauce clings to the pasta beautifully. It’s pure deliciousness in every bite! Then there’s the simplicity. I’ve tested this recipe with various kitchen gadget mishaps and exhausted evenings, and it *always* comes through. You don’t need any fancy techniques or rare ingredients. It’s genuinely straightforward, which is a huge win for me. Plus, it’s super budget-friendly! The ingredients are all pantry staples or readily available at any grocery store, so you can whip this up without breaking the bank. And the versatility! You can easily swap out the pasta shape, add different veggies like spinach or peas, or even use leftover rotisserie chicken to make it even faster. What I love most about this chicken pasta is that it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and a little bit special, all at the same time. It’s the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular.
How do I make a delicious chicken pasta?
Quick Overview
What is the process of calculating a value is quite simple? If you’re making pasta and chicken separately, toss them with a creamy tomato sauce and bake them in the oven. When bubbly and golden brown, mix well. What is the beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward assembly and the incredible flavor payoff. Is it the kind of meal that looks like you spent hours on it, but in reality, it’s surprisingly quick. What is the best way to get together a weeknight when you are short on time but big on energy? What is the best way to make a creamy sauce for pasta? What are some of the best bites
Ingredients
What are the ingredients to make this culinary masterpiece? I always try to use good quality ingredients because they really do make a difference, but don’t always use them. What are some substitutions for this recipe?
For the Chicken and Pasta: What is the best recipe?
1 pound boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
1 pound pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or shells work wonderfully)
2 tablespoons olive oil. 2 teaspoons of olive
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
What is the recipe for Creamy Tomato Sauce?
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon peppermint oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped.
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced.
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes.
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter version)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving.
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano and basil)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
For Topping:
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
How do you follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, get a large pot of salted water boiling for your pasta. I always make sure the water is generously salted – it’s like seasoning the pasta from the inside. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. If you want to make clean-up a breeze, you can lightly grease it with cooking spray or if you like, spray it all over your kitchen. The sauce is made with olive oil, though the sauce usually does a good job of preventing sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. What is the best way to do this? Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t drain the skillet just yet – those little browned bits are pure flavor gold!
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
By now, your water should be boiling. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente – that means it’s cooked through. Should still have a slight bite to it? Why don’t we eat mushy pasta? If you’re using starchy pasta, drain the pasta well, but definitely reserve about a cup of that starch pasta water before you use it. Is this stuff liquid gold for making sauces silky smooth?
Step 4: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
In the same skillet you used for the chicken (no need to wash it!), add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Pour in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Combine and Creamify
Now for the best part – making it creamy! Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems a little too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat.
Step 6: Mix Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Cook until golden brown. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in that luscious sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta gets some of that creamy goodness! I like to check the seasoning one last time here and adjust if needed.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
How do you make pasta mixture in a baking dish? If you’re using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown. When cheese is melted, it turns golden brown. What is the smell in your kitchen?
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let the Chicken Pasta rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle a bit and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if you have some on hand. Serve hot and watch it disappear!
What should I serve it with?
This creamy chicken pasta is so versatile, it pairs perfectly with so many things! What is a good salad to serve on weeknights? It cuts through the richness of the pasta perfectly. Sometimes, when we’re feeling a little more casual, we just have to have it with some crusty bread for dipping. What are some of the best ways to dip your kids in that amazing sauce? If you’re looking for something more substantial, roasted broccoli or asparagus makes a lovely dinner. What is green? What are some of the best ways to serve garlic breadsticks for a special occasion? Side of sautéed mushrooms. My family enjoys having a small bowl of olives or caprese salad alongside it, which is also good. Adds a bright, fresh contrast. What makes your taste buds happy?
What are some tips for making chicken pasta?
I’ve made this chicken pasta more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think really make a difference. First, when you’re cooking the chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure it gets nicely browned rather than steamed. Browning adds so much flavor! For the pasta, remember that al dente is key. It will continue to cook in the oven, so you don’t want it to be mushy from the start. And definitely don’t skip reserving that pasta water – it’s a game-changer for achieving a silky, smooth sauce that coats everything perfectly. When it comes to the sauce, taste and adjust your seasonings before you add the pasta. You want it to be just right before it goes into the oven. If you find your crushed tomatoes are a bit too acidic, a tiny pinch of sugar can really balance out the flavor. I’ve also experimented with using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version, and it works beautifully, making it a bit less decadent but still wonderfully creamy. For variations, feel free to toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even some peas along with the pasta and sauce before baking – they add extra nutrients and flavor. And if you love a bit of spice, definitely don’t shy away from that pinch of red pepper flakes; it adds a subtle warmth that’s really lovely. Finally, when baking, if the top starts to brown too quickly, you can always loosely tent it with foil for the last 10 minutes.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
What is a great make-ahead meal? Why not more so, the next day? Once it’s completely cooled, I like to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. What is the best way to keep a fresh tomato for 3-4 days? When you’re ready to reheat, you have a few options. How do you reheat a frying pan over low heat? If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up. Is it possible to reheat individual portions in the microwave? How do I cover a paper towel to prevent splattering and heat in 30-60 second intervals? I’ve been warmed through for If you’ve made a big batch and want to freeze it, let it cool completely first. Is it safe to transfer it to a freezer-safe container or aluminum foil? How do I prevent freezer burns? Should I put it in the freezer for about 3 months? When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the microwave. What is the difference between stovetop and microwave? What are some of the best mozzarella toppings?
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give this creamy chicken pasta a try. It’s become such a staple in my home because it’s reliably delicious, incredibly comforting, and always a hit with everyone, big or small. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create a meal that feels special and truly satisfies. It’s the kind of dish that brings people to the table, and that’s what cooking is all about for me. If you love this, you might also enjoy my {link to another comforting pasta dish} or my {link to easy chicken recipe}. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Let me know in the comments below if you try it and how it turns out for you. Feel free to share any of your own special twists or variations – I always love hearing how you all make recipes your own!
Italian Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.5 pound chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 0.5 pound pasta such as fettuccine or penne
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 teaspoon dried italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
