Creamy Italian Chicken
This Creamy Italian Chicken is an easy one-pan dinner featuring juicy pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich Parmesan garlic cream sauce with Italian herbs. Ready in about 30 minutes, it's perfect served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a comforting family meal.
Servings: 4
Calories: 545kcal
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Creamy Italian Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional Add-Ins
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.
Notes
- Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Simmer gently—avoid boiling the cream sauce.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream.
- Boneless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 545
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
- Sodium: 760mg
- Potassium: 720mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 1,050 IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 255mg
- Iron: 2mg