Flavorful Italian Chicken Pasta: A Satisfying Dinner Delight

Are you craving a hearty and flavorful pasta dish that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family? Look no further than this delicious Italian Chicken Pasta recipe! With tender chicken, savory tomato sauce, and a hint of Italian seasoning, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, this Italian-inspired pasta dish is guaranteed to impress. So let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this mouthwatering meal!

Ingredients

1/4 cup Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing (or use homemade)
1 lb. (2) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (or use leftover shredded chicken)
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 (8 oz. each) cans tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 (14.5 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, cubed, softened
2 1/2 cups uncooked whole grain pasta (or 4 cups cooked)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the Italian dressing over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and chopped onion, and cook until the chicken is browned and the onion is softened.
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chopped artichoke hearts, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and well combined.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce mixture, tossing gently to coat.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley or basil over the pasta before serving.

Cook Notes and Variations

Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite vegetables or protein. You can add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
For a creamier sauce, you can add additional cream cheese or heavy cream to the skillet.
If you prefer a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Garnish the finished dish with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer for this recipe. Penne, spaghetti, or rotini would all work well.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Simply reheat the sauce on the stove while cooking the pasta, then toss together before serving.

Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

A: Absolutely! Leftover shredded chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. Simply add it to the skillet along with the onion and cook until heated through.

Q: Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

A: While this recipe contains chicken, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding extra vegetables or plant-based protein such as tofu or chickpeas.

Keto Version and Low Carb Version

For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this Italian Chicken Pasta, you can make the following adjustments:

Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta to reduce the carb count.
Substitute the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with a low-carb marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes.
Increase the amount of protein by adding cooked bacon, sausage, or shrimp to the dish.
Use full-fat cream cheese and Italian dressing to keep the dish keto-friendly.

In conclusion, this Italian Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, savory tomato sauce, and fragrant Italian seasoning, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and give this delicious pasta recipe a try tonight. Your taste buds will thank you!

With its versatility and delicious flavor, this Italian Chicken Pasta is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. So go ahead, indulge in a bowl of comfort and enjoy every flavorful bite!