Italian Chicken Pasta

One-Pot Marvel: Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

all time-pressed home cooks and pasta enthusiasts, this One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is your new weeknight hero! It's a symphony of flavors and textures, bursting with juicy chicken, tender penne pasta, and a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce – all prepared in a single pot for minimal cleanup and maximum convenience.

What Makes This One-Pot Pasta So Spectacular?

• Speedy Weeknight Savior: This recipe is a dream come true for busy schedules. Everything cooks together in one pot, significantly reducing cleanup and saving you precious time in the kitchen.
• Creamy Dream Sauce: A symphony of flavors awaits you in every bite, thanks to a luxurious sauce made with white wine, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and scallions add depth and complexity, taking this sauce to the next level.
• Perfect Textural Contrast: This dish is a textural delight. Perfectly cooked chicken breasts and al dente pasta (cooked to be slightly firm to the bite) create a delightful contrast in every mouthful.

Ingredients for Your One-Pot Pasta Paradise:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced (or 2 thick chicken breasts, halved horizontally and pounded thin)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)

For the White Wine Parmesan Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 scallions, chopped white and green parts
• 2 small tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup dry white wine
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (with additional to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to One-Pot Pasta Bliss:

1. Prep the Chicken for Even Cooking: Ensure your chicken breasts are nice and thin for even cooking throughout. If you're using thick chicken breasts, either pound them thin or halve them horizontally. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to promote even browning. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Dredge the chicken breasts in this flavorful mixture, making sure to coat them evenly on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken for Golden Perfection: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the coated chicken breasts. Sear them for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Building the Flavorful Sauce: Keep the flavor party going! In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, add the butter, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté them over medium-high heat until the onions and garlic become translucent, about 2 minutes. Now, add the chopped scallions and diced tomatoes. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld. Sprinkle the tablespoon of flour over the vegetables and whisk it in to create a roux. This roux will act as a thickening agent for your creamy sauce.
4. Creating a Creamy Dream: Pour the heavy cream, white wine, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) into the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and whisk in ½ cup of the shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue whisking until you have a smooth and creamy sauce.
5. Cook the Pasta to Al Dente Perfection: While the sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot of salted water. Aim for al dente – cooked but still slightly firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta (but don't rinse it!) and reserve some of the pasta water in case you need to adjust the consistency of the sauce later.
6. The Grand Finale: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss everything together to combine evenly. Let it simmer on low heat for 2-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.

serve! Plate up your delicious One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta with the creamy sauce blanketing the pasta, and the chicken nestled on top or beside it. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, garnish with some additional grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this incredibly flavorful and convenient one-pot wonder – a perfect solution for busy weeknights or a delightful meal anytime!

Tips for One-Pot Perfection:

• Choosing the Right Chicken: Chicken thighs can be substituted for the chicken breasts in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and juicy, but may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
• Don't Skip Searing the Chicken: Searing the chicken adds a beautiful golden brown color and develops rich flavor.
• The Power of Pasta Water: Reserve some of that pasta water! The starchy pasta water can be used to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick after adding the pasta. A tablespoon at a time will do the trick.
• Fresh Herbs for an Extra Touch: If you have fresh herbs on hand, such as parsley or basil, chop them up and sprinkle them over the finished dish for an extra pop of flavor and color.
• Leftovers for Lunch: This pasta dish reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep lunches. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

With this One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta in your recipe arsenal, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to experience a flavor explosion in every bite!