Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

Save this recipe on:

Creamy, savory, and bursting with flavor — this Italian Chicken Pasta recipe is a one-pan wonder that brings restaurant-quality taste right into your home kitchen. Perfectly seared chicken breasts rest atop a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce, woven with tender linguine and kissed with crispy pancetta and fresh herbs. This dish isn’t just dinner; it’s a warm, comforting escape to the heart of Italy.

Whether you’re cooking to impress guests or just craving a cozy weeknight meal, this pasta delivers every time. It’s easy enough for beginners but elegant enough for special occasions. Pair it with a crisp white wine and a side of garlic bread, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s guaranteed to please.

---

Why You’ll Love This Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

This dish is the ultimate fusion of ease and indulgence. You only need one pan to make it all come together, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. The chicken is seasoned and seared to golden perfection, locking in juices while developing a mouthwatering crust. The cream sauce is velvety smooth and perfectly seasoned, enhanced by the salty crunch of pancetta and the brightness of parsley.

If you love classic Italian comfort food, this pasta is your new go-to. It’s hearty, satisfying, and layered with bold flavors in every bite.

---

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Linguine is my top choice for this Italian Chicken Pasta because it wraps around the creamy sauce beautifully without getting lost in it. But feel free to switch it up! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne work just as well if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to use a pasta shape that can hold onto the sauce, allowing you to savor all the delicious richness in every forkful.

---

Ingredients for the Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

Each ingredient in this Italian Chicken Pasta brings something special to the dish, creating a balanced, creamy, and flavorful experience in every bite.

• Chicken breasts – These are the protein star of the show, seared to golden perfection and juicy inside.
• Linguine pasta – A perfect pasta choice that clings to the sauce and complements the chicken beautifully.
• Pancetta – Adds a salty, crispy element that deepens the savory flavor of the sauce.
• Garlic cloves – Essential for building the base flavor of the cream sauce.
• Heavy cream – Provides the rich, velvety texture that makes the sauce so indulgent.
• Chicken broth – Adds depth and helps thin out the cream without losing flavor.
• Parmesan cheese – Brings nutty sharpness and ties the whole dish together.
• Fresh parsley – A pop of color and fresh flavor to finish the dish.
• Olive oil & butter – The dream team for pan-searing chicken and sautéing aromatics.
• Salt & pepper – The simple essentials for seasoning throughout.

---

How To Make the Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Crisp the Pancetta

In the same pan, add pancetta and cook until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pan.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the pan, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and thickened.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the chicken and pancetta to the pan with the sauce. Add the drained linguine and toss everything together. Use a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan before serving.

---

How to Serve and Store Italian Chicken Pasta

This dish is best served fresh off the stove while the sauce is creamy and the chicken is juicy. It feeds about 4 to 5 people, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. For a picture-perfect presentation, plate the pasta in a shallow bowl, lay the chicken pieces on top, and sprinkle with extra parsley and Parmesan.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s luscious texture.

---

What to Serve With Italian Chicken Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside—garlic bread is the ideal companion to soak up that creamy sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons add freshness and texture.

Roasted Broccoli

The slight bitterness of roasted broccoli balances the richness of the pasta beautifully.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze keep things light and vibrant.

White Wine

A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the creamy flavors of the dish.

Sauteed Spinach

A healthy, quick side that adds earthy flavor and a boost of greens.

Bruschetta

Start your meal with these toasted bread slices topped with a tomato and basil mix.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly more flavorful and stay moist during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re fully cooked.

What can I use if I don’t have pancetta?
Bacon is a great substitute. It offers a similar salty, crispy bite and works well with the creamy sauce.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
Reserve some pasta water and add it in small amounts as you toss everything together. It helps maintain a silky, creamy consistency.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep components like the seared chicken and sauce ahead of time. Combine everything right before serving to keep the pasta fresh and the sauce creamy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and double-checking your chicken broth and pancetta for hidden gluten.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 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 a different pasta? Did you make it spicier?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated weeknight favorites and indulgent comfort foods on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for easy meals!

---

Conclusion

Italian Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe that brings people together. It’s simple, comforting, and full of rich, satisfying flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a dish for entertaining, this creamy pasta never disappoints. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: