5 Irresistible Italian Chicken Pasta Recipes

Italian cuisine is renowned for its simplicity, the ability to bring out the flavors of fresh ingredients, and its global appeal, especially when it comes to pasta dishes. Chicken, versatile and beloved, pairs wonderfully with pasta, creating meals that are both comforting and sophisticated. Here, we delve into five irresistible Italian chicken pasta recipes that not only cater to different tastes but also showcase the diversity of Italian culinary traditions. Whether you're seeking a quick weeknight meal or something special for a dinner party, these recipes are sure to impress.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 500g fettuccine or any flat pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, cooking until fragrant.
3. Add chicken strips, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet.
4. Reduce heat to low, pour in the cream, and slowly add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it thickens into a sauce.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet, stir in the pasta, and cook until everything is heated through.
6. Garnish with parsley before serving.

🍝 Note: For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the cream with milk, though the sauce will be less rich.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 500g spaghetti
• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 2 lemons
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, torn for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti as per instructions; keep warm.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil, add garlic, cook until aromatic.
3. Add chicken, cook until cooked through, seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Stir in lemon juice and zest, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Combine chicken and spaghetti, stir, and garnish with basil.

Chicken Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 500g penne
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt to taste
• 2 chicken breasts, cubed

Instructions:

1. Boil pasta according to package directions.
2. Make the pesto by blending basil, pine nuts, cheese, garlic, and oil until smooth.
3. In a pan, cook chicken until no longer pink, adding seasoning if needed.
4. Toss pasta with pesto, chicken, and tomatoes, ensuring even coverage.

🍅 Note: If pine nuts are out of reach, you can substitute with walnuts for a different but delightful pesto flavor.

Spicy Chicken Arrabbiata

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 400g spaghetti
• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1-2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil to garnish

Instructions:

1. Begin by cooking spaghetti, aiming for al dente.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil, sauté garlic with red pepper flakes for heat.
3. Add diced chicken, cook until browned. Pour in tomatoes, simmer until sauce thickens.
4. Mix spaghetti with the sauce, taste, and adjust seasoning.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 500g short pasta (like penne or rigatoni)
• 400g tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 chicken breasts, breaded and cooked
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh basil for topping

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta, reserving some water.
2. Preheat oven to 180°C.
3. In a baking dish, mix pasta, tomato sauce, a bit of reserved pasta water, and half the cheeses.
4. Layer cooked chicken over the pasta.
5. Top with remaining cheese, bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
6. Add fresh basil for a garnish.

Exploring the rich tapestry of Italian culinary traditions through these five chicken pasta recipes offers more than just meals; they provide a journey through Italy's diverse gastronomy. From the creamy richness of Alfredo to the zesty flavors of Lemon Garlic pasta, each dish represents a different aspect of Italy's culinary heritage, making them perfect for any occasion. They're not only delightful to eat but also relatively simple to prepare, allowing you to savor the essence of Italian cuisine at home. Whether you're cooking for a family gathering or enjoying a solo dinner, these recipes invite you to embrace the comfort and joy of Italian pasta dishes, each bite filled with the warmth and love of Italian cooking. So, grab your ingredients and start cooking, because these Italian chicken pasta recipes are an invitation to dine like an Italian, without ever leaving your kitchen.