There's something magical about twirling fresh tagliatelle around your fork, especially when it's coated in a rich, creamy sauce with tender chicken pieces. This chicken tagliatelle recipe brings restaurant-quality Italian comfort food straight to your kitchen, and trust me, once you try this chicken tagliatelle recipe, you'll never order takeout again.
What makes this chicken tagliatelle recipe so special is how it combines simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The wide, flat tagliatelle noodles perfectly capture every drop of the velvety garlic parmesan sauce, while the seasoned chicken breast strips add protein and substance. This chicken tagliatelle recipe proves that incredible dinner meals don't require fancy techniques or expensive ingredients.
Why This Italian Classic Will Become Your Go-To Weeknight Dinner
Italian cuisine has given us countless pasta treasures, but few dishes strike the perfect balance between elegance and comfort like tagliatelle with chicken. This chicken tagliatelle recipe originated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, where fresh egg pasta reigns supreme. The wide ribbons of tagliatelle were specifically designed to hold hearty sauces, making this chicken tagliatelle recipe a match made in culinary heaven.
What sets this chicken tagliatelle recipe apart from other pasta dishes is its versatility and forgiving nature. Whether you're cooking for a romantic date night or feeding a hungry family, this recipe scales beautifully. The creamy sauce develops incredible depth of flavor as it simmers, while the chicken stays tender and juicy. This chicken tagliatelle recipe works equally well with store-bought fresh pasta or homemade noodles, giving you flexibility based on your time and skill level.
Jump to:
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Pasta:
- Fresh tagliatelle pasta
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Medium onion
- Mushrooms (button or cremini)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Sauce:
- Lemon juice
- Dry white wine
- Heavy cream
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Butter
- Fresh basil
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Red pepper flakes
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients
- Season chicken breast strips generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta
- Gather all ingredients and have them ready; this chicken tagliatelle recipe moves quickly once you start cooking
Cook the Chicken to Perfection
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add seasoned chicken strips and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through
- Remove chicken to a plate and set aside, keeping any flavorful drippings in the pan
Build the Flavor Base
- In the same skillet, add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened
- Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 3-4 minutes
- Pour in white wine (if using) and let it reduce by half, scraping up any browned bits
Create the Creamy Sauce and Combine
- Finish with lemon juice and adjust seasoning
- Meanwhile, cook tagliatelle according to package directions until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water
- Add heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer
- Stir in butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth
- Return cooked chicken to the pan along with drained pasta
- Add spinach and fresh basil, tossing until spinach wilts
- Add pasta water gradually if needed to achieve desired consistency
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather and season everything — this dish moves fast once you begin.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Perfection
Sear the chicken until golden and fully cooked, then set aside.
- Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Build flavor with garlic, mushrooms, and onion, deglazed with wine.
- Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce and Combine
Combine everything in the sauce and stir until creamy and well-coated.
Expert Cooking Tips
- Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook your tagliatelle just shy of al dente since it will continue cooking when combined with the hot sauce. Fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried, typically in 2-3 minutes.
- Chicken Cooking Secret: Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken strips. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
- Sauce Consistency: The key to creamy pasta is the starch from pasta water. Always reserve at least a cup before draining; it helps bind the sauce to the noodles beautifully.
- Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with additional chicken broth or even pasta cooking water for extra flavor.
- Mushroom Tip: Let mushrooms cook undisturbed for the first few minutes to develop a golden color. Moving them too early releases moisture and prevents proper browning.
- Cheese Quality: Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce. The pre-grated varieties contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Dietary Modifications
- This versatile chicken tagliatelle recipe adapts beautifully to various dietary needs. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. Dairy-free cooks can use cashew cream or coconut milk, adding nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular tagliatelle with gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. Cook according to package directions, as timing may vary from wheat pasta.
- Protein Variations: Turkey breast, pork tenderloin, or even large shrimp work wonderfully in place of chicken. Vegetarians can substitute with grilled eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a hearty alternative.
Flavor Variations
- Mediterranean Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist. Replace basil with fresh oregano and add a pinch of dried herbs de Provence.
- Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes and add a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions. A splash of hot sauce in the cream sauce adds extra heat without overwhelming the dish.
- Herb Garden: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage. Each brings a unique flavor profile that complements the creamy base beautifully.
Equipment Recommendations
- A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan is essential for this chicken tagliatelle recipe, as it distributes heat evenly and prevents hot spots that could scorch the cream sauce. Cast iron or stainless steel works best, while non-stick pans can be challenging for building the flavorful fond.
- You'll also need a large pot for cooking pasta; choose one that holds at least 6 quarts to give the noodles plenty of room to move. A pasta fork or long tongs makes combining the pasta with sauce much easier, and a fine-mesh strainer ensures you don't lose any precious pasta water when draining.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- Leftover chicken tagliatelle recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The sauce may thicken as it cools, but gentle reheating with a splash of milk or cream brings it back to the perfect consistency.
Freezing Instructions
- While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, this dish freezes reasonably well for up to 2 months. Package in freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a few tablespoons of milk or cream to restore the sauce's silky texture. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but use 50% power and stir frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking.ell to freezing for X days/weeks/months.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
Here's the game-changing secret that transforms this chicken tagliatelle recipe from good to absolutely incredible: always finish the pasta in the sauce pan, not just pour sauce over drained noodles. This technique, called "mantecatura" in Italian cooking, allows the pasta to absorb flavors while the starches help bind everything together. The result is a cohesive dish where every strand of tagliatelle is perfectly coated.
The second secret involves the timing of adding cheese. Never add Parmesan to boiling sauce, as it will seize and become grainy. Instead, remove the pan from heat, let the bubbling subside for 30 seconds, then gradually whisk in the cheese. This chicken tagliatelle recipe relies on this technique for its signature silky texture that coats each noodle like velvet.
FAQ
What is tagliatelle made of?
Traditional tagliatelle is made from eggs and flour, creating a rich, tender pasta with a slightly golden color. The egg content gives it more body and helps it hold onto sauces better than regular pasta, making it perfect for this chicken tagliatelle recipe.
What does tagliatelle mean in Italian?
Tagliatelle comes from the Italian verb "tagliare," meaning "to cut." The name refers to the method of making this pasta by rolling out thin sheets of dough and cutting them into long ribbons, typically about ¼ to ⅜ inch wide.
What is the difference between tagliatelle and fettuccine?
While similar, tagliatelle is traditionally wider than fettuccine and contains eggs, giving it a richer flavor and more substantial texture. Tagliatelle originates from Northern Italy, while fettuccine is more associated with Roman cuisine.
Why is it called tagliatelle?
The name directly relates to the cutting technique used in its preparation. After rolling pasta dough into thin sheets, it's folded and cut into ribbons, literally "cutting" the pasta into its characteristic long, flat shape.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
Now that you've mastered this incredible chicken tagliatelle recipe, why not expand your culinary repertoire with these equally satisfying dishes? These recipes share similar comfort food qualities and are perfect for building your weeknight dinner rotation.
The Salmon Quinoa Bowl Recipe offers a lighter alternative when you're craving something nutritious yet satisfying, while the Tortellini Alfredo Bake Recipe brings that same creamy, cheesy comfort as this chicken tagliatelle recipe but in a convenient casserole format. Both recipes complement this pasta dish perfectly, giving you options for different occasions and dietary preferences while maintaining that restaurant-quality taste you've come to expect.
Happy cooking-By Lisa Johnson💛
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Tagliatelle Recipe
Chicken Tagliatelle Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet Preferably stainless or cast iron
- 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
- 1 Fine-mesh strainer To reserve pasta water
- 1 Tongs or pasta fork For combining pasta and sauce
Ingredients
For Chicken and Pasta
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts Boneless, skinless, sliced into strips
- 1 lb Fresh tagliatelle pasta Or 12 oz dried
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil For cooking the chicken
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 medium Onion Finely diced
- 8 oz Mushrooms Button or cremini, sliced
- Salt and pepper To taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Sauce
- ½ cup Dry white wine Optional; or chicken broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated
- 2 tablespoon Butter
- ¼ cup Fresh basil Chopped
- 2 cups Fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon Red pepper flakes Optional
- ½ Lemon Juice only
Instructions
- Season chicken, boil water, and gather ingredients.
- Sear chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms; deglaze with wine.
- Cook tagliatelle until al dente, reserve 1 cup pasta water.
- Add cream, butter, and Parmesan to skillet; simmer until creamy.
- Return chicken and pasta; add spinach, basil, and pasta water as needed.
- Stir in lemon juice, adjust seasoning, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Amie says
Absolutely delicious, literally just finished eating it. Will 100% do again
Elizabeth says
That’s wonderful to hear, Amie! I'm so glad you loved it and that you finished every bite 😊 Looking forward to having you back in the kitchen again soon!