How do you keep creamy pasta from drying out?

One of the biggest challenges with creamy pasta is keeping that velvety texture after it’s been cooked. To prevent your creamy Italian chicken pasta from drying out, make sure the sauce isn’t too thick before you serve it. Adding a splash of reserved pasta water or extra cream at the end helps keep everything loose and smooth. Also, serve it immediately and avoid letting it sit uncovered for too long.

Can I freeze creamy Italian chicken pasta?

Yes, but with caution. While the chicken and pasta itself freeze well, dairy-based sauces tend to separate when thawed and reheated. If you must freeze it, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe container. When reheating, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and gently warm on the stove with added cream or milk to re-emulsify the sauce.

What other meats can I use besides chicken?

If you’re looking to change things up, this dish is very versatile. Italian sausage (mild or spicy) adds a savory twist. Shrimp works beautifully with the creamy tomato sauce, creating a seafood-style pasta. Even grilled steak or leftover turkey can be chopped and added in. Just be sure to adjust seasoning and cooking time to suit your meat choice.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Turning this into a vegetarian dish is simple. Omit the chicken and add hearty vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini. Chickpeas or white beans are also a great protein substitute that pair nicely with the tomato-cream base. For extra richness, consider stirring in a spoonful of cashew cream or using a dairy-free cheese.

Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta – The Best Delicious Discovery Yet

Name: Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta That’ll Blow Your Mind – The Most Delicious Discovery Yet!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini); 3 tbsp butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional); 1 cup fresh spinach or chopped basil (optional garnish)

Description

Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is a cozy, flavor-packed dish featuring juicy seasoned chicken in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce tossed with tender pasta. It’s the perfect weeknight comfort food with bold Italian flair—and it’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 cups cooked pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
3 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
1 cup fresh spinach or chopped basil (optional garnish)

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Instructions

Season chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sear chicken pieces for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Whisk in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Stir until sauce thickens slightly.
Add cooked pasta and stir to coat in the sauce. Toss in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach if using.
Return chicken to the skillet and simmer everything together for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Garnish with more Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce or add cream cheese for extra richness.
Great with gluten-free pasta or zoodles for a low-carb option.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheat beautifully.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 580
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 610mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 135mg