A rich, creamy, comforting pasta made with tender chicken, garlic, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and a silky Italian-style cream sauce. It is an easy dinner that feels restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta:
12 oz (340 g) penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
1 tablespoon salt for the pasta water
For the Creamy Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
½ cup (120 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 cups fresh spinach, optional
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
If the chicken breasts are very thick, carefully slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets so they cook evenly.
Cook the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
Build the sauce
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
Add the butter.
Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the sun-dried tomatoes
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Cook for 1–2 minutes so their flavor infuses the butter and garlic.
Make it creamy
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
Add the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Do not boil aggressively, as the cream can separate.
Add Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low.
Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, 1–2 tablespoons at a time.
Add spinach
If using spinach, stir it into the hot sauce.
Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Combine everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
Toss gently until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.
Add the sliced chicken and gently mix everything together.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes to warm the chicken through.
Finish and serve
Taste the pasta and adjust the salt and pepper.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving:
Calories: 720 kcal
Protein: 43 g
Carbohydrates: 57 g
Fat: 36 g
Saturated Fat: 20 g
Cholesterol: 155 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 920 mg
Potassium: 720 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and can vary depending on the pasta, cream, Parmesan, chicken, and other ingredients used.
Nut Information
Contains nuts: No
Peanuts: No
Almonds: No
Cashews: No
Walnuts: No
Pecans: No
Pistachios: No
Hazelnuts: No
Coconut: No
Allergen Information
Contains dairy: Heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan
Contains gluten: Traditional pasta
Contains no nuts or peanuts
For gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free pasta and check all packaged ingredients
For dairy-free: Use dairy-free butter, cream substitute, and Parmesan alternative
Tips for the Best Love at First Bite Pasta
Use freshly grated Parmesan because it melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Don’t let the cream sauce boil hard after adding the Parmesan.
Reserve pasta water. The starch helps loosen and emulsify the sauce.
Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the richest flavor.
Let the chicken rest before slicing so it stays juicy.
Add extra Parmesan right before serving for an even richer finish.
For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well and remain especially juicy.
Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, linguine, farfalle, and spaghetti all work well.
Q: Can I make this without chicken?
A: Yes. Simply omit the chicken or replace it with shrimp, Italian sausage, mushrooms, or additional vegetables.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a closer texture, use half-and-half.
Q: Why did my Parmesan sauce become grainy?
A: The sauce may have been too hot when the cheese was added. Reduce the heat to low and add Parmesan gradually while stirring.
Q: Can I add mushrooms?
A: Yes. Sauté 8 oz of sliced mushrooms after cooking the onion and before adding the garlic.
Q: Can I make this spicy?
A: Yes. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a small amount of chopped fresh chili.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: It is best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently. Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
A: Cream-based pasta can be frozen, but the sauce may change texture slightly after thawing. For best results, refrigerate leftovers rather than freezing them.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Broccoli Rice Bowls - September 19, 2026
- Crispy Cheesy Hashbrowns - September 19, 2026
- Crispy Potato Pockets Snack - September 19, 2026
