Ingredients
- Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing (1/4 cup): The Italian dressing is the base of your sauce, imparting a delightful tangy flavor and a subtle kick from the vinegar and spices. If you prefer, you can substitute this with homemade Italian dressing, using olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and other herbs for a fresh, personalized twist.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 lb.): Chicken is the star protein of this dish. Cut into bite-sized pieces, it becomes tender and flavorful, soaking up the spices and sauce. For convenience, leftover shredded chicken from a previous meal can easily replace the fresh chicken breasts.
- Yellow Onion (1): A chopped onion adds a natural sweetness and depth to the dish as it softens during the sautéing process. It pairs perfectly with the tangy tomatoes and creamy sauce.
- Tomato Sauce (2 cans of 8 oz. each): Tomato sauce is the heart of the base sauce, offering a smooth, rich texture and balanced acidity that gives this dish its authentic Italian flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz., drained): The diced tomatoes add a chunky texture and extra burst of tomato flavor. Draining them ensures the dish doesn’t become too watery.
- Artichoke Hearts (1 can, 14.5 oz., drained and roughly chopped): The artichoke hearts bring an unexpected twist. Their tender texture and slightly tangy flavor complement the richness of the cream cheese and the zesty dressing.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A must-have in Italian cuisine, the Italian seasoning adds a delightful blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. It infuses the sauce with herbal notes that enhance the overall flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon): For a bit of heat, the crushed red pepper flakes are a perfect touch. They provide just enough spice to elevate the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese (4 oz., cubed and softened): The cream cheese makes the sauce creamy and rich, creating a luscious texture that coats the pasta and chicken. You can use low-fat or non-dairy cream cheese alternatives if desired.
- Whole Grain Pasta (2 1/2 cups uncooked, or 4 cups cooked): The pasta is the vessel that carries all the delicious sauce and toppings. Whole grain pasta adds a slightly nutty flavor and a hearty texture that balances out the richness of the sauce. You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini, penne, or fusilli.
- Fresh Parsley or Basil (1/4 cup, chopped): A fresh sprinkle of herbs adds a burst of color and freshness to the finished dish, cutting through the creaminess and adding a vibrant herbal note.
Instructions
1. Start the Sauté
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing to the skillet. As it heats up, it will sizzle and release a wonderful aroma, signaling the start of something delicious. Once the dressing is hot, toss in the chicken pieces and chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and the onion becomes translucent. The onions will soften and release their natural sweetness, infusing the chicken with flavor.
At this stage, the chicken should be nearly cooked through, and the onions should be fragrant and golden brown. This is where the magic begins—the savory depth of the chicken and onion sets the stage for the sauce to come.
2. Add the Sauce and Simmer
Next, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, artichoke hearts, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring that the chicken and onions are evenly coated with the sauce. The vibrant red of the tomatoes and the green bits of artichoke hearts create a beautiful color contrast in the pan.
Once everything is combined, cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer. This simmering process is where the flavors meld together, deepening in richness. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
3. Add the Creamy Twist
Now comes the moment that turns this dish from good to great—the addition of cream cheese. Cube the cream cheese and add it to the skillet. Stir it in thoroughly, allowing the cream cheese to melt into the sauce. As it melts, it will transform the tomato sauce into a creamy, velvety concoction that coats the chicken, artichokes, and pasta. The cream cheese adds richness and smoothness, perfectly balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and the heat from the pepper flakes.
You’ll start to notice the sauce thickening up, and the comforting, creamy aroma will begin to fill your kitchen.
4. Pasta Time
The next step is to add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. You don’t need to pre-cook the pasta separately, as the sauce will cook the pasta to perfection. Stir the pasta into the sauce, making sure it’s well distributed. Once the pasta is in, cover the skillet again and continue simmering.
Check the pasta’s doneness by stirring occasionally, and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10 minutes for whole grain rotini. As the pasta cooks, it will soak up all the delicious flavors of the sauce. You’ll notice the pasta becoming tender and absorbing the tangy, creamy sauce with each bite.
5. Final Touch
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, it’s time to finish the dish with a burst of freshness. Stir in the chopped parsley or basil. The fresh herbs will provide a pop of color and a fragrant, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Now that your Italian Chicken Pasta is ready, it’s time to dish it out into bowls. The creamy, tangy sauce will coat the pasta beautifully, and the chicken pieces will be tender and full of flavor. The artichoke hearts add a unique texture, and the fresh herbs bring everything together. This dish is perfect on its own or paired with a simple side salad or garlic bread for an extra touch of Italian charm.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Chicken: If you prefer a different protein, you can use turkey or even shrimp as an alternative. For a vegetarian version, sauté mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to create a veggie-packed version.
- Pasta: While whole grain pasta adds extra fiber and a slightly nutty flavor, you can use regular pasta or gluten-free pasta if preferred. Any shape will work—fussili, penne, or spaghetti all hold the sauce well.
- Cream Cheese: If you want a lighter option, you can substitute the cream cheese with a reduced-fat version or Greek yogurt for a tangy alternative.
- Tomatoes: For a deeper tomato flavor, you can use roasted tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this dish alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pasta.
- A basket of warm, crispy garlic bread would be the perfect complement to mop up the creamy sauce.
- For a more substantial meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to provide a fresh, vibrant contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes