Creamy Italian Chicken & Pasta Skillet: Your Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food

Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a dish that promises rich flavors, creamy textures, and incredible ease: the Creamy Italian Chicken & Pasta Skillet. This super scrumptious meal is designed for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying without the fuss. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxuriously creamy tomato sauce, all infused with vibrant Italian seasonings. Topped with fresh basil, it’s a culinary delight that also makes fantastic leftovers!

The Magic of One-Pot Meals: Simplify Your Weeknights

In our fast-paced lives, the thought of cooking a delicious, homemade meal often brings with it the dread of extensive prep work and a towering pile of dishes. That’s where the magic of one-pot wonders truly shines! For me, weekdays are all about efficiency and maximizing flavor with minimal effort. This Creamy Italian Chicken & Pasta Skillet perfectly embodies that philosophy.

There’s an undeniable satisfaction in being able to toss all your ingredients into a single pan, letting them simmer together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. The best part? When dinner is served, you’re not left staring down a mountain of pots and pans. This means more time spent enjoying your meal, relaxing with loved ones, or simply unwinding after a long day. A quick side salad is often all you need to complete the meal, making dinner an absolute breeze.

Why This Creamy Italian Chicken & Pasta Skillet Will Become a Family Favorite

This scrumptious skillet meal isn’t just easy; it’s a flavorful powerhouse that consistently earns rave reviews. What makes it so special?

• Unbeatable Flavor Profile: It strikes a perfect balance between tangy Italian zest, savory chicken, and creamy indulgence. The combination of rich tomato sauce, tender artichokes, and a hint of spice creates a depth of flavor that feels gourmet, yet comes together with astonishing simplicity.
• Effortless Preparation: Forget complicated steps or multiple cooking stages. From browning the chicken to simmering the sauce and cooking the pasta directly in the pan, everything happens in one skillet. This streamlined process saves you precious time and energy, making it an ideal choice for even the busiest evenings.
• Hearty & Satisfying: This dish is undeniably comforting and filling. The generous portions of chicken and pasta, enveloped in a thick, creamy sauce, ensure everyone at the table feels completely satisfied.
• Versatility for All Tastes: While fantastic as is, this recipe is also incredibly adaptable. Whether you want to add more vegetables, adjust the spice level, or experiment with different proteins, it’s a forgiving dish that encourages culinary creativity.
• Fantastic Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, you’re in for a treat! The flavors tend to meld even further overnight, making it an excellent option for meal prepping healthy and delicious lunches for the week ahead.

The Secret to Zest: Kraft Zesty Italian Anything Dressing

A true game-changer in this recipe, and indeed a long-standing staple in my kitchen, is Kraft’s delicious Zesty Italian Anything Dressing. Ever since I first started cooking, this versatile dressing has been my go-to for adding vibrant flavor to a variety of dishes. Its tangy and robust profile comes from a wonderful blend of vinegar, red peppers, onions, and garlic, creating a dynamic base that elevates everything it touches.

In this Creamy Italian Chicken & Pasta Skillet, the dressing acts as much more than just a marinade or a finishing touch. It infuses the chicken and vegetables with incredible depth right from the start, simplifying the seasoning process and ensuring a consistently delicious outcome. It’s the perfect shortcut to achieving that authentic Italian zest without needing a pantry full of individual spices and herbs. If you haven’t discovered the magic of using Italian dressing as a cooking ingredient, prepare to be amazed!

A Culinary Journey: Bringing It All Together

The beauty of this dish lies not only in its taste but also in its incredibly straightforward preparation. It all begins in a large skillet, where a quarter cup of that amazing Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing sizzles, ready to impart its vibrant flavors. Into this aromatic base goes your bite-sized chicken pieces and chopped yellow onion, cooking until the chicken is mostly done and the onions become wonderfully translucent.

Next, the pan transforms into a rich, simmering haven. Stir in two cans of hearty tomato sauce, a can of perfectly diced and drained tomatoes, and a can of roughly chopped artichoke hearts – these add a delightful texture and Mediterranean flair. A dash of Italian seasoning and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes (for just the right amount of kick!) join the mix. Cover the skillet, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, allowing all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Here’s where the “creamy” magic happens: stir in cubes of softened Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Watch as it melts into the sauce, transforming it into a velvety, luscious concoction that coats every ingredient. And for the ultimate convenience? Your favorite uncooked pasta goes right into the sauce to cook! This ingenious method means the pasta absorbs all the incredible flavors directly from the sauce as it softens, resulting in a dish that’s incredibly cohesive and flavorful. Once the pasta is al dente, a final sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a bright, aromatic finish. Voila – dinner is served!

Tips for a Perfect Creamy Italian Chicken & Pasta Skillet

Achieving a perfect one-pot pasta dish is simple with a few key considerations:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure your skillet is large enough to comfortably hold all ingredients, especially once the pasta is added. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less flavorful results.
• Soften Your Cream Cheese: For the smoothest sauce, make sure your Philadelphia Cream Cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it. This helps it melt and blend seamlessly without lumps.
• Cook Pasta to Al Dente: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks in the sauce. Stir occasionally and taste test to ensure it reaches that ideal al dente texture – tender but with a slight bite. Cooking times can vary based on pasta shape and brand.
• Adjust Spice to Taste: The crushed red pepper flakes add a lovely warmth. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount, or omit it entirely. For more kick, feel free to add a bit more!
• Fresh Herbs are Key: While dried herbs are used in the seasoning, don’t skip the fresh parsley or basil at the end. They add a vibrant freshness and aromatic lift that truly brightens the dish.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: Using good quality chicken, flavorful tomato products, and a dressing like Kraft Zesty Italian will make a noticeable difference in the final taste of your skillet.

Delicious Variations & Customizations

One of the joys of cooking is the freedom to adapt recipes to your taste and what you have on hand. This Creamy Italian Chicken & Pasta Skillet is incredibly forgiving and lends itself beautifully to various modifications:

• Add More Vegetables: Amp up the nutrition and color by stirring in fresh spinach (it will wilt down quickly), sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even zucchini during the simmering stage.
• Protein Swaps: Not a fan of chicken? Try Italian sausage (brown it first), lean ground turkey, or even shrimp (add towards the end of cooking as it cooks quickly). For a vegetarian option, consider adding cannellini beans or chickpeas, or use plant-based chicken substitutes.
• Cheese Please! A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella over the top just before serving, or even a few dollops of ricotta, can take the creaminess and flavor to another level.
• Different Pasta Shapes: While rotini works wonderfully, feel free to use other medium-sized pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, farfalle (bow-tie), or even shells. Just ensure to adjust cooking times according to package directions as they cook in the sauce.
• Herb Variations: If you don’t have fresh basil or parsley, fresh oregano or a mix of Italian herbs would also be delightful.
• Smoky Flavor: A pinch of smoked paprika can add a subtle smoky undertone that complements the Italian flavors beautifully.

Creamy Italian Chicken & Pasta Skillet Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 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 (adjust to taste)
• 4 oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.), cubed, softened
• 2 1/2 cups uncooked whole grain pasta (such as rotini or penne)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large skillet set to medium-high heat, add the Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and chopped onions. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the chicken is mostly cooked through.
2. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, artichoke hearts, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in the softened cream cheese until it is fully blended into the sauce and creates a creamy consistency.
3. Add the uncooked pasta directly into the sauce. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged and coated. Cover the skillet again and continue to simmer, cooking the pasta according to package instructions (typically around 10 minutes for rotini or similar shapes). The pasta will cook beautifully by absorbing the flavorful sauce.*
4. Once the pasta is cooked to al dente, stir in the fresh parsley or basil.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Creamy Italian Chicken & Pasta Skillet!

*Note: If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, you may add a splash of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

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Serving Suggestions & Pairing

This Creamy Italian Chicken & Pasta Skillet is a complete meal on its own, packed with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. However, to truly elevate the dining experience, consider pairing it with a few simple accompaniments:

• Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy pasta.
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious, zesty sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of simply roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans can add extra texture and nutrients.

Storage and Reheating

One of the best qualities of this dish is how well it holds up as leftovers. Store any remaining Creamy Italian Chicken & Pasta Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.

Enjoy Your Effortless Italian Feast!

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting meal for the family, or an impressive dish that requires minimal effort, this Creamy Italian Chicken & Pasta Skillet checks all the boxes. It’s a celebration of convenience, flavor, and the joy of simple, delicious home cooking. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and prepare to delight your taste buds with this unforgettable Italian-inspired masterpiece. Happy cooking!