Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 5 boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp oil
*For the Sauce:*
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 tsp minced garlic
- 2 small tomatoes, diced
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Directions:
1. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Dredge each chicken breast cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the tomato mixture and stir to combine.
6. Gradually pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Slice the cooked chicken cutlets and return them to the skillet, coating them with the creamy sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti noodles and toss everything together until well combined.
8. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 650 kcal (approx.) | Servings: 4-6 servings
#dinnerideas #dinnerrecipe #familydinnerideas #datenight #pasta #italianfood #foodie #yummy #Lemon8Diary
As someone who's always looking for delicious yet quick dinner solutions, I can tell you this Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta recipe is an absolute game-changer for weeknights! We all know how hectic evenings can get, and the thought of whipping up a homemade meal often feels daunting. But trust me, this recipe clocks in at just 45 minutes total, making it perfectly feasible even on your busiest days. It's incredibly satisfying, comforting, and packed with flavor – everything you want in a weeknight dinner without the fuss. My secret for making this already speedy recipe even faster? A little pre-planning! On a quieter Sunday, I love to chop my onion and mince my garlic, storing them in airtight containers. You can even dice your tomatoes ahead of time. When Tuesday night rolls around, half the work for the sauce is already done! Another fantastic trick for ultra-fast assembly is using pre-cut chicken breast cutlets, or if you're really pressed for time, shredded rotisserie chicken works wonders – just toss it in at the end to heat through, skipping the pan-frying step altogether. For the pasta, I sometimes cook it earlier in the day if I know dinner will be chaotic; a quick rinse with hot water just before serving brings it back to life. Don't be afraid to get creative with this recipe to keep things exciting or use what you have on hand. For an extra boost of nutrition, I often toss in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of the sauce simmering – it wilts beautifully and adds a lovely color. Frozen peas or broccoli florets are also fantastic additions; just add them directly to the pasta water for the last couple of minutes of cooking, then drain with the spaghetti. If you're out of chicken, cooked leftover turkey or even browned Italian sausage can be a delicious substitute. And for cheese lovers, a mix of grated Parmesan and a little bit of fresh mozzarella melted into the sauce can take the creaminess to another level! To make this a complete and wholesome weeknight dinner, I usually pair it with something simple. A ready-made bag salad with a light vinaigrette is my go-to – minimal effort, maximum freshness. Or, if I have a few extra minutes, some quickly steamed green beans or asparagus make a perfect side. Don't forget a slice of garlic bread! You can find excellent ready-to-bake options in most grocery stores that just need a few minutes in the oven. This recipe is also a dream for meal prep! I often cook a double batch of the chicken and sauce separately. Then, throughout the week, I just cook fresh pasta and combine, or gently reheat individual portions. When reheating leftovers, which are just as delicious the next day, a splash of milk or chicken broth helps to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency. And if you have a lot left over, you can even transform it into a quick pasta bake by adding a little extra cheese on top and baking until bubbly – a fantastic lunch option! Honestly, this Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta has become a cherished staple in my kitchen. It proves that you don't need hours to create something truly special and satisfying for your family. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and most importantly, incredibly tasty. Give it a try, and I bet it'll quickly become a favorite in your weeknight rotation too!
this looks amazing 👏🏽 😋