Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Imagine sitting down to a plate of perfectly seared chicken breasts nestled on a bed of golden pasta, coated in a creamy, garlicky, cheese-laced sauce with hints of Italian herbs. This Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is pure comfort in every bite—hearty, indulgent, and sure to win hearts at the dinner table. With rich cream, crispy bacon, and tender chicken all swirling into one cohesive dish, it tastes like something you’d order at a rustic trattoria in the Tuscan countryside.

This dish not only looks stunning, but the combination of textures and flavors—from the juicy chicken to the velvety sauce and the soft pasta underneath—makes it a go-to for special occasions and weeknight dinners alike. Whether you’re trying to impress guests or simply want to treat yourself to a creamy indulgence, this pasta checks all the boxes.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

• Rich and Comforting: The creamy sauce clings to every strand of pasta, making each forkful feel like a hug.
• Flavor-Packed: With garlic, parmesan, herbs, and bacon bits, it’s full of bold, savory Italian flavors.
• Easy to Customize: Swap the chicken for shrimp, go lighter with half-and-half, or make it spicy with crushed red pepper.
• Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, and the flavors deepen over time.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making this dish is simple with the right tools and a bit of preparation:

1. Cast Iron Skillet or Sauté Pan
This ensures an even sear on the chicken and helps develop flavor when sautéing garlic and bacon.

2. Pasta Pot with Strainer
A large pot to boil your pasta without crowding, which keeps the strands from sticking.

3. Tongs & Wooden Spoon
Tongs help flip the chicken easily, while a wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the sauce gently without breaking up the pasta.

4. Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
For prepping the chicken breasts evenly, which ensures they cook uniformly.

5. Measuring Cups & Whisk
Essential for building a smooth, lump-free sauce and measuring cream, cheese, and seasonings precisely.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

Chicken Breasts – The star of the dish, seared to a golden crisp and sliced over the pasta.

Fettuccine or Linguine – Long pasta types are perfect for soaking up all the rich, creamy sauce.

Heavy Cream – Creates that luscious, velvety texture in the sauce.

Parmesan Cheese – For bold, salty flavor and creamy body.

Garlic Cloves – Adds depth and authentic Italian essence.

Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with traditional flavor.

Salted Butter – Helps bring richness and enhances the sauce.

Olive Oil – Used to sear the chicken and build the flavor base.

Bacon Bits – Crispy pieces that add smoky crunch.

Salt & Pepper – Seasoning to balance and elevate all the flavors.

Fresh Parsley (optional) – For a fresh garnish and a hint of brightness.

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How To Make the Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken until golden on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and toss lightly in olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add in the bacon bits and allow them to crisp up slightly.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking as it heats. Gradually stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add more Italian seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Slice the cooked chicken. Add the pasta into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Top with sliced chicken and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

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Serving & Storing This Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

Serve immediately while warm and creamy, paired with garlic bread or a crisp green salad. This dish makes an elegant main course but feels just as satisfying served casually in a big family-style bowl.

For storing, let it cool and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, a splash of cream or milk helps revive the creamy texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this lighter?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or tagliatelle work beautifully too.

What can I substitute for bacon?

Pancetta, turkey bacon, or omit it altogether for a pork-free version.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms add great texture and flavor.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the cooked chicken separately.

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Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re loving this creamy pasta, you’ll definitely enjoy these delicious dishes from Kitchen By Kate:

• Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for that ultra-comfort bite.
• One Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta if you like a little heat.
• Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for a sweet-savory twist.
• Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce for rich and earthy tones.
• Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta for a beefy, buttery alternative.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add mushrooms or try it with shrimp? I love seeing your takes on this dish.

Check out more of my daily recipes on Pinterest | Kitchen By Kate

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