Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta with Italian Seasoning and Cheese

So you’re craving something rich, cheesy, and comforting—but you absolutely refuse to spend your entire evening washing dishes or questioning your life choices. Same.

This Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta with Italian Seasoning and Cheese is here to save dinner and your sanity. It’s cozy, indulgent, and comes together faster than you can decide what to watch on Netflix. Win-win.

Why This Recipe Is Awesome

First of all, it’s ridiculously easy. Like, “I forgot to read the recipe twice and it still worked” easy. You don’t need fancy ingredients, chef-level knife skills, or a playlist of dramatic Italian music (optional, but encouraged).

Second, it’s comfort food at its finest. Creamy sauce? ✔ Juicy chicken? ✔ Pasta that soaks up all that goodness? ✔✔✔
Also, it’s super customizable. Add veggies, swap pasta shapes, tone down (or up) the cheese—IMO, recipes that forgive you are the best kind.

And lastly, this dish makes you look like you know what you’re doing in the kitchen. Even if you absolutely do not.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing wild here—just good, honest ingredients doing their thing.

• Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini) – Use what’s in your pantry; pasta doesn’t judge
• Boneless chicken breast – Cut into bite-sized pieces so it cooks fast (and evenly)
• Olive oil – For sautéing and pretending this is healthy
• Butter – Because olive oil alone is not enough joy
• Garlic (minced) – Measure with your heart
• Italian seasoning – The MVP spice blend doing most of the work
• Heavy cream – This is a creamy pasta, not a “diet experiment”
• Milk – Helps balance the richness
• Grated cheese (Parmesan or mozzarella) – Freshly grated if possible, but no pressure
• Salt & black pepper – Basic, but essential
• Optional extras: chili flakes, spinach, mushrooms, or herbs if you’re feeling fancy

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta.
   Boil a big pot of salted water and cook your pasta until al dente. Don’t overcook it—mushy pasta is a crime. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Cook the chicken.
   Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and fully done, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Build the flavor base.
   In the same pan, add butter and garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. If it smells amazing, you’re doing it right.
4. Make it creamy.
   Lower the heat and pour in the cream and milk. Stir gently and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Do not boil—we want creamy, not chaotic.
5. Add cheese magic.
   Stir in the grated cheese slowly. Let it melt into a smooth, glossy sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
6. Bring it all together.
   Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss until everything is coated like it belongs there.
7. Final taste test.
   Adjust salt, pepper, or cheese. Sprinkle chili flakes if you like a little drama.

Serve immediately. Try not to eat straight from the pan (no promises).

Nutritional Facts (Approx. per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	45 g
Fat	26 g
Saturated Fat	14 g
Fiber	3 g
Sodium	680 mg

This dish delivers a solid protein boost from the chicken, which helps keep you full longer. The dairy adds calcium and richness—yes, balance is a thing. Pair it with veggies or a light salad and suddenly you’re a responsible adult. Personally, I call this “emotional nutrition,” and honestly? It works.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken. Dry chicken = sadness. Cook just until done.
• Boiling the cream. That’s how sauces split and dreams die.
• Skipping seasoning. Pasta without seasoning tastes like regret.
• Dumping all cheese at once. Slow and steady wins the melt race.
• Ignoring pasta water. It’s liquid gold—use it.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No heavy cream? Use half-and-half, but expect slightly less drama.
• Chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, and honestly, great choice.
• Gluten-free pasta? Totally works—just watch the cook time.
• Want veggies? Spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms fit right in.
• Extra cheesy? Add a little cream cheese. I won’t tell.

IMO, recipes should bend to your mood, not the other way around.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can, but fresh chicken tastes way better. FYI.

Is this freezer-friendly?
Cream sauces don’t love the freezer, so… not really.

What pasta shape works best?
Anything that holds sauce—penne, rotini, fettuccine. Elbow macaroni if you’re rebellious.

Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce = instant upgrade.

Is it kid-friendly?
Yes. Just skip the spice and maybe add extra cheese (always the solution).

Final Thoughts

This Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta with Italian Seasoning and Cheese is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—or boring. It’s quick, forgiving, and wildly satisfying, which is basically everything I want from dinner.

Now go impress someone—or just impress yourself—because you absolutely nailed this. 🍝