Savory Italian Chicken Pasta Delight

Let’s get real. After a long day, you want something delicious, satisfying, and fast. This Savory Italian Chicken Pasta Delight is your new weeknight hero. It delivers incredible, restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss. I’m Lina, and I live for these 30-minute meals. Trust me, this one is a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will adore this recipe for three simple reasons: speed, ease, and flavor. We use smart shortcuts and a one-pan approach. Consequently, you get a creamy, savory pasta dish with minimal effort. Furthermore, cleanup is a breeze. You spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your evening.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is your efficient shopping list. I’ve noted the key shortcut ingredients that make this recipe so fast.

Ingredient	Notes & Shortcuts
8 oz Penne Pasta	Or any short pasta you have
1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast	Pre-cut chunks save even more time!
1 jar (24 oz) Marinara Sauce	Your favorite store-bought brand is perfect
1 cup Heavy Cream	This creates the luxurious sauce
1 small Onion, diced	Frozen diced onion works great
3 cloves Garlic, minced	Use jarred minced garlic for a shortcut
1 tsp Italian Seasoning	A pantry staple
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese	Plus more for serving
2 tbsp Olive Oil	For cooking
Salt and Black Pepper	To taste
Fresh Basil (optional)	For garnish

Substitutions & Variations

No time for the store? No problem! Use what you have on hand. This recipe is incredibly flexible.

• Pasta: Swap penne for rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti.
• Protein: Use ground chicken or turkey. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver! Just shred it and add it with the sauce.
• Sauce: Don’t have marinara? Use a can of crushed tomatoes and add an extra 1/2 tsp of Italian seasoning.
• Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half. The sauce will be a bit thinner but still delicious.
• Vegetables: Toss in a handful of spinach at the end or add sliced mushrooms with the onions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps. You will have dinner ready in a flash!

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
4. Create the Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
5. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta back to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and coats everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips for Success

Let’s make this even easier. These pro tips are all about efficiency.

• Multitask Like a Pro: Start the pasta water first. While it boils, you can prep the chicken and veggies. The pasta and chicken will finish around the same time.
• Meal Prep Shortcut: Dice your chicken and onions on the weekend. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. This cuts your prep time in half on a busy weeknight.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just until al dente. It will continue to cook slightly in the hot sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy.
• Use a Large Skillet: This ensures you have enough room to combine the pasta and sauce comfortably without making a mess.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This dish makes fantastic leftovers!

• Storage: Let the pasta cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat is on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or cream to a skillet with the pasta. Warm it over medium heat, stirring frequently, until hot. You can also use the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.
• Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Keep your sides as quick and simple as the main event.

• Garlic Bread: Use pre-made garlic bread or toast some baguette slices with butter and garlic powder.
• Simple Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with a store-bought Italian vinaigrette.
• Steamed Broccoli: A bag of frozen steam-in-the-bag broccoli is the ultimate easy side.
• Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus in oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 10-12 minutes while the pasta cooks.

FAQs

Can I make this Savory Italian Chicken Pasta Delight ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. You may need to add a little extra cream or water when reheating, as the pasta will absorb some of the sauce.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, full-fat canned coconut milk works surprisingly well and adds a subtle sweetness.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Of course! Any short pasta with nooks and crannies to hold the sauce works wonderfully. Try rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Easy! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic. You can also stir in a tablespoon of Calabrian chili paste with the sauce for a real kick.

Is this Italian Chicken Pasta family-friendly?

It’s a huge hit with kids and adults alike! The creamy, savory sauce is very appealing. If your kids are picky, you can even blend the marinara sauce with the cream first to make it super smooth.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Estimated values based on 4 servings.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~580 kcal
Total Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	14g
Cholesterol	125mg
Sodium	750mg
Total Carbohydrates	48g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Sugars	8g
Protein	35g

 

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