If you’re craving a dish that hits every note of comforting, flavorful, and downright irresistible, then this Creamy Italian Herb Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. Imagine tender chicken pieces perfectly seasoned and nestled in a luscious, velvety sauce packed with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, all tossed with al dente pasta and vibrant veggies like cherry tomatoes and spinach. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and fresh, easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best flavors and textures. From the rich creaminess to the fresh brightness of basil and spinach, these components work together beautifully to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth base for cooking the chicken and helps build rich flavors in the skillet.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up all those amazing herbs and spices.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor in the dish, from the chicken to the sauce.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and depth.
- Italian seasoning: A flavorful blend of herbs that gives the chicken its unmistakable Italian flair.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for that punch of aromatic goodness that’s impossible to resist.
- Heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious sauce that wraps around every ingredient.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory richness and balances the cream without overwhelming it.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for that nutty, salty depth that brings the sauce together perfectly.
- Farafalle or your favorite pasta: The bow-tie shape is perfect for catching the creamy sauce and bits of veggies.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for a burst of sweetness and a pop of color that brightens the plate.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a fresh, leafy texture that wilts into tender perfection.
- Fresh basil: Chopped and sprinkled at the end for a fragrant, fresh herbal finish.
- Additional salt and pepper: To taste for that perfect final seasoning balance.
How to Make Creamy Italian Herb Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly
Begin by cooking your pasta in salted boiling water until it’s just al dente, meaning it’s tender but still has a nice bite to it. This step sets the stage for the texture of your dish, helping the pasta stand up to the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken with Seasonings
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to get that perfect searing temperature. Add the chicken pieces and generously season them with salt, pepper, and that fragrant Italian seasoning. The goal here is to develop a lovely golden crust on the chicken while locking in juicy flavor. Cook about 6 to 7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully browned.
Step 3: Infuse Garlic Aroma
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for just about a minute. This quick step lets the garlic release its incredible aroma without burning, ensuring it blends seamlessly into your sauce later on.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring well to combine with the garlic and seasonings. Bring this mixture gently to a simmer. This is where the magic starts to happen—the flavors begin to meld, and the sauce will start to thicken as you stir.
Step 5: Enrich with Parmesan
Lower the heat and slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until your sauce is smooth, creamy, and rich. The cheese not only adds amazing flavor but also helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Step 6: Toss Pasta and Veggies in the Sauce
Return the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Toss everything carefully to coat all the ingredients evenly with that irresistible creamy sauce. This step unifies all textures and flavors, with the tomatoes adding bursts of sweetness and the spinach wilting just so.
Step 7: Finish Cooking and Adjust Seasoning
Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes, just long enough to soften the tomatoes and wilt the spinach perfectly. Now is the time to taste and add any extra salt or pepper to make the flavors sing exactly as you like.
Step 8: Add Fresh Basil and Serve
Finally, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil on top. This adds a lovely herbal aroma and a fresh pop of color that finishes off this Creamy Italian Herb Chicken Pasta Recipe beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Italian Herb Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a must for garnishing this creamy dish, but you can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for an elegant finishing touch. A few cracked black peppercorns on top can add a little visual and flavor pop that your guests will love.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy chicken pasta with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette can also complement the dish perfectly by providing a buttery crunch to scoop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve straight from the skillet at the table so everyone can help themselves to generous portions. Alternatively, plate individual servings and garnish with fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon for a restaurant-worthy presentation that feels special yet approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain the integrity of the creamy sauce and chicken texture.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but because of the cream and spinach, the texture might change slightly after thawing. If you choose to freeze it, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for the best taste. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and keep it silky. Stir constantly until heated through to avoid scorching. Alternatively, microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is perfect for catching the creamy sauce, you can use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti based on what you have or prefer. The key is to cook it al dente so it holds up well when tossed in the sauce.
Is it okay to substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but keep in mind the sauce may not be quite as rich or thick. Adding a little extra Parmesan can help compensate for the slightly thinner texture.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook and season the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to finish the dish. Just add it to the skillet during the sauce step to warm through and absorb all the flavors.
What if I don’t have fresh basil on hand?
Fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma and brightness, but if you don’t have it, dried basil or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can work as alternatives. Adding fresh herbs at the end is what really elevates this Creamy Italian Herb Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and substitute with hearty mushrooms or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavor full and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a homemade creamy pasta dish to lift your spirits and impress anyone you serve it to. This Creamy Italian Herb Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those delightful meals that bring warmth and joy to the table every time. It’s simple, flavorful, and packed with fresh, comforting ingredients that make dinner feel like a special occasion any night of the week. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Creamy Italian Herb Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Italian herb chicken pasta combines tender pieces of chicken with a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes, all tossed with farfalle pasta. It’s a comforting and flavorful one-skillet meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Dairy and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Herbs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Pasta
- 8 ounces farfalle or your favorite pasta
Additional Seasonings
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Make the sauce creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss in pasta and vegetables: Add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Finish cooking: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top before serving.
Notes
- Use farfalle or any other pasta shape you prefer like penne or rotini.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a spicy kick.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Fresh herbs like basil add brightness; feel free to garnish with parsley as an alternative.
