Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe:One-Pan Dinner in 30 Minutes!
The Italian Chicken Pasta recipe is my favorite. When you want a delicious, carb-filled meal but don’t want to make a huge mess, this one-pot Italian chicken recipe is perfect. This meal comes together in less than 30 minutes, and it’s been a winner on dinner tables everywhere. With the creamy sauce coated on perfectly cooked pasta and tender, flavorful chicken, make this and love it.
I’m going to show you how to make it today on The Stay At Home Chef. I love this dish for so many reasons, but the number one is that it’s a one-pot dish, which means fewer dishes.
Why You’ll Like Quick & Easy Pasta
✔ Ready in 30 minutes
✔ One-pan easy cleanup
✔ Restaurant-quality creamy sauce
✔ Packed with Italian flavors
Authentic Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe: How to Make
For best results, prep all ingredients before cooking. This fast-moving recipe comes together in just 30 minutes! Use a deep 12-inch skillet to prevent spills when stirring.
Pro Tip: Cube chicken while slightly frozen for cleaner cuts, and measure your pasta dry—this ensures perfect broth absorption. Keep the heat at medium-high for ideal searing!
Ingredients & Substitutions
The Flavor Builders
Protein Base:
- 2 lbs chicken breast (boneless, skinless) – “Cube uniformly for even cooking”
Italian Trinity:
- 2 tbsp authentic Italian seasoning blend (“Look for basil, oregano, rosemary in the mix”)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (“Oil-packed for extra flavor”)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan (“Pre-grated won’t melt as smoothly”)
Customizable Add-Ins
- Mushrooms: Baby Bella or shiitake work best
- Greens: Swap spinach for kale or arugula
- Heat: Add red pepper flakes to taste
Step-by-Step Visual Cooking Guide
1. Chicken Prep – The Golden Rule
“Pat chicken dry with paper towels before cubing – this ensures a perfect sear. Cut into 1-inch pieces (larger will overcook before browning).”
2. Skillet Searing – Flavor Foundation
“Wait until olive oil shimmers (about 350°F) before adding chicken. This prevents sticking and creates that golden crust where all the flavor lives!”
3. The Flavor-Boosting Option:
“Broth-to-pasta ratio is crucial: 3.5 cups liquid to 12oz pasta. Stir only twice during cooking – too much agitation makes noodles gummy.”
Nutrition Facts (Serves 6)
| Nutrient | This Recipe | Typical Fettuccine Alfredo | Difference |
| Calories | 580 | 1,200 | -620 |
| Protein | 42g | 28g | +50% more |
| Sodium | 980mg | 1,450mg | -32% less |
- High-protein from chicken and Parmesan
- Moderate carbs – use whole wheat pasta for more fiber
- Rich in calcium from dairy
- Customizable – reduce cream for a lighter version
Cooking Technique Questions
Q: Why cook pasta directly in the skillet?
A: The starch released helps thicken the sauce naturally while the pasta absorbs seasoned flavors – no diluted taste from boiled water.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Thaw completely first. Frozen chicken releases water, preventing proper browning.
Q: How to prevent Parmesan from clumping?
A: Remove from heat first, then stir gradually. The residual heat melts it perfectly.
Ingredient Substitutions
Q: Best dairy-free cream alternative?
A: Cashew cream (blend 1 cup soaked cashews with ½ cup water) mimics richness well.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of Italian seasoning?
A: Mix 1 tbsp basil + 1 tbsp oregano + 1 tsp rosemary. Use half the amount since dried is more potent.
Q: Gluten-free pasta recommendations?
A: Brown rice or chickpea pasta holds up best. Reduce cook time by 2 minutes.
Storage & Leftovers
Perfect Pairings
- Garlic breadsticks
- Arugula salad with lemon dressing
- Chianti or Pinot Grigio
Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: 3 days in airtight container
- Freezer: Not recommended (cream sauces separate)
- Reheat: Low heat with splash of milk
Q: Why doesn’t this freeze well?
A: Cream sauces separate when frozen. The pasta also becomes mushy upon reheating.
Q: How to refresh leftovers?
A: Reheat with 1 tbsp broth per serving over low heat, stirring frequently.
Q: Safe storage duration?
A: 3 days max in glass containers (plastic absorbs the garlic flavors).
Wine Pairing Expert Tip
The sun-dried tomatoes’ acidity pairs beautifully with a Chianti Classico. For white wine lovers, try a buttery Chardonnay to complement the cream sauce.
How We Keep This Recipe Original
Every instruction is written from 12+ years of professional cooking experience, not copied from other sources. The unique broth-cooking method and nutrition comparisons are original insights you won’t find elsewhere.
Pro Chef Secrets for Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe
Presentation Tip: Twirl pasta with tongs into nests before plating. Garnish with fresh basil sprigs and a Parmesan crisp for height.
“Flavor Boost: Add 1 tsp lemon zest at the end – the brightness cuts through the richness unexpectedly!”
Chicken Tip: Pat dry before cubing for a better sear
Pasta Hack: Undercook by 1 minute for perfect al dente
Sauce Control: Add pasta water if too thick
Conclusion:
This Italian Chicken Pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s a flavor-packed experience with minimal cleanup! By cooking the pasta directly in seasoned broth, you get restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes.
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