Chicken Pasta in Rosé Sauce

Chicken Pasta in Rosé Sauce: A Creamy Italian-American Classic

Few dishes are as comforting as a creamy pasta, and this Chicken Pasta in Rosé Sauce is the perfect blend of richness, tang, and savory flavor. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a luscious rosé sauce, it’s an Italian-American-inspired dish that feels indulgent yet easy to make.

This dish combines the best of both worlds: the creaminess of Alfredo sauce and the tanginess of marinara. It’s a testament to how Italian-American cuisine has taken traditional flavors and adapted them into something unique and comforting for modern kitchens.

Why This Dish is a Winner

•   Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a sauce that’s rich and silky, while marinara adds a bright and tangy balance.
•   Customizable: Whether you swap chicken for shrimp or add extra vegetables, this dish is incredibly versatile.
•   Approachable Ingredients: Everything in this recipe can be found at your local grocery store, making it accessible and stress-free.

The Secret to a Perfect Rosé Sauce

A good rosé sauce relies on the balance of creaminess and acidity. Heavy cream brings the velvety texture, while marinara sauce adds depth and tang. Here are a few tips to achieve that perfect balance:

1.  Gradual Cheese Addition: Always add Parmesan cheese slowly over low heat. This ensures it melts evenly into the sauce and prevents clumping.
2.  Reserve Pasta Water: The starch in pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it creamy and smooth without being overly heavy.
3.  Watch Your Salt: While seasoning the pasta water is essential, too much salt can carry over into the sauce. Stick to about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water to avoid overpowering the dish.

Make It Your Own

This recipe is highly adaptable, so you can tweak it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

Alternate Proteins

•   Shrimp: Swap out the chicken for shrimp to give the dish a seafood twist. Shrimp cooks quickly, making it an excellent choice for a faster meal.
•   Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with extra mushrooms, zucchini, or even chickpeas for a plant-based version.

Different Sauces

•   Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: For a nuttier, more robust flavor, replace the marinara with sun-dried tomato pesto.
•   Creamy Alfredo Base: Skip marinara entirely for a fully creamy dish.

Pasta Shapes

While penne is a classic choice, other pasta shapes work wonderfully too:

•   Rigatoni: With its ridged surface, it holds the sauce beautifully.
•   Farfalle (Bowtie Pasta): Adds a playful touch to the dish.
•   Fusilli: Twirls of pasta trap the sauce for flavorful bites every time.

Italian-American Roots

This dish might not be traditionally Italian, but it’s a perfect example of Italian-American fusion. By blending classic ingredients like marinara and Parmesan with American preferences for creamy, indulgent textures, it’s a dish that bridges two culinary worlds beautifully.

The result? A dish that feels both familiar and special—perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even a casual gathering with friends.

Tips for Success

1.  Start with Quality Ingredients: Fresh baby spinach, good Parmesan, and a flavorful marinara sauce can elevate this dish from good to unforgettable.
2.  Don’t Rush the Sauce: Let the rosé sauce simmer gently on low heat. This allows the flavors to meld and creates a smoother consistency.
3.  Add Spinach Last: Stirring in spinach at the end ensures it wilts perfectly without overcooking, maintaining its vibrant color and texture.

Why It’s a Crowd-Pleaser

From the first creamy bite to the satisfying tang of marinara, this dish hits all the right notes. It’s indulgent without being too heavy and versatile enough to cater to different preferences. The combination of chicken, pasta, and a velvety sauce is a surefire way to please even the pickiest eaters.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Pasta in Rosé Sauce is the perfect dinner for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting guests or just need a comforting weeknight meal, this dish delivers big on flavor and simplicity.

The best part? It’s incredibly adaptable. Try swapping proteins, experimenting with different sauces, or using your favorite pasta shape. With this dish, the possibilities are endless.

So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and don’t forget to garnish with plenty of Parmesan and fresh parsley. Your perfect plate of creamy pasta awaits!

Let us know how you customized your Chicken Pasta in Rosé Sauce in the comments below. What’s your favorite twist on this Italian-American classic?

Chicken Pasta in Rosé Sauce

Recipe by Fatima Maniya Soorty

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: MainCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

5

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

A creamy, flavorful Italian-American classic, this Chicken Pasta in Rosé Sauce combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious blend of marinara and Parmesan for the ultimate comfort meal.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb 1/2 chicken breast cube

• 16 oz 16 uncooked penna pasta

• 1 cup 1 baby spinach

• 1/2 cup 1/2 white mushroom chopped

• 1 small 1 onion

• 4 cloves 4 garlic minced

• 2 tbsp 2 sun dried tomato

• 1 1/2 cup 1 1/2 Parmesan cheese grated (more for garnish)

• 2 tbsp 2 butter

• 1 1/4 cup 1 1/4 heavy cream

• 2 cups 2 marinara sauce

• 2 tsp 2 Worcestershire sauce

• 1 1/4 tsp 1 1/4 black pepper

• 1 1/4 tsp 1 1/4 salt (more for pasta water)

• 1 1/2 tsp 1 1/2 crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 1/2 tsp 1 1/2 Italian seasoning

• 2 cups 2 reserved pasta water

• 3 tbsp 3 oil

• Parsley for garnish

Directions

• Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season with 2–3 teaspoons of salt. Add the pasta and cook until about 2–3 minutes shy of the package instructions for al dente. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
• Prepare the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breast cubes, season with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Sauté until the chicken is lightly golden and cooked through. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet.
• Cook the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the empty side of the skillet. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in the mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and are tender.
• Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the marinara sauce along with 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to combine. Season the sauce with the remaining salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.
• Incorporate Cheese: Gradually add 1 1/4 cups of Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Allow the sauce to simmer gently over low heat while the pasta finishes cooking.
• Combine Pasta and Sauce: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pasta directly from the boiling water into the skillet with the sauce. Add 2 cups of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta evenly.
• Finish with Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until wilted. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and drizzle with 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Mix well to combine.
• Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!