Super-scrumptious chicken and creamy pasta is on the table today! Top with fresh basil and enjoy this delicious meal on busy weeknights. It also makes excellent leftovers.
On weeknights I live for one-pan meals like this. Tossing everything into a single skillet, tossing a quick salad, and enjoying dinner without a sink full of dishes makes the whole evening more relaxing. This creamy skillet, made with a zesty Italian dressing, is both easy and satisfying. The dressing adds tangy, robust flavor from vinegar, red peppers, onions, and garlic—perfect for brightening salads or savory skillet dishes.
Start by sizzling chicken and onions in the dressing, then add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, artichokes, and seasonings. After simmering, stir in cream cheese to create a rich, velvety sauce. Add uncooked pasta directly to the skillet so it cooks in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil and serve.
Creamy Italian Chicken & Pasta Skillet
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. 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. cream cheese (1/2 of an 8-oz. package), cubed and softened
- 2 1/2 cups uncooked whole grain pasta, or about 4 cups cooked
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the dressing. When hot, add the chicken and chopped onion. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the chicken is mostly cooked through.
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Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, artichoke hearts, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Add the cream cheese and stir until it melts and blends into the sauce. Once smooth, stir in the uncooked pasta and cover again. Simmer, cooking the pasta in the sauce according to package directions (about 10 minutes for rotini), stirring occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly.
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When the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, stir in the chopped parsley or basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm.
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Enjoy!
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