Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta?
This dish is a comforting meal featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich sauce made from Italian dressing mix, white wine, and cream cheese, served over angel hair pasta.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You will need chicken breasts, butter, dry Italian salad dressing mix, dry white wine, condensed golden mushroom soup, softened cream cheese with chives, and angel hair pasta.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make approximately 6 servings.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius) before baking.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken should bake for 60 minutes, or until it is fully cooked through.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Angel hair pasta is recommended for its delicate texture that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
Can I use a different type of wine?
A dry white wine is best for this recipe to balance the richness of the cream cheese and soup.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth.
What is condensed golden mushroom soup?
It is a savory condensed soup that provides a deeper mushroom flavor than standard cream of mushroom soup.
Can I use regular cream of mushroom soup instead?
Yes, you can substitute regular cream of mushroom soup, though the final flavor profile will be slightly milder.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in the Italian dressing mix, wine, and golden mushroom soup. Finally, whisk in the softened cream cheese until smooth.
What kind of cream cheese should I use?
The recipe specifies 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with chives for added flavor.
Do I need to cover the chicken while it bakes?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the chicken moist and prevent the sauce from drying out.
When should I start cooking the pasta?
Begin cooking the angel hair pasta about ten minutes before the chicken is finished baking.
How should I serve the chicken?
Once the chicken has rested, slice it and serve it on a bed of pasta, then top with the remaining creamy sauce.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are approximately 27 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving provides about 24 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
One serving contains 25 grams of carbohydrates.
Is there any preparation needed for the mushroom soup?
No preparation is needed; just use it straight from the can as a condensed base.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
Can I add garnishes to this dish?
Yes, fresh herbs such as parsley or chives make excellent garnishes.
What category of food is this recipe?
This recipe falls under chicken pasta, Italian cuisine, and comfort food.
Is this a good recipe for entertaining?
Yes, its rich flavor and elegant presentation over angel hair pasta make it great for guests.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 main ingredients required for this dish.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used, but ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the benefit of using angel hair pasta?
Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly and its thin strands are perfect for holding the creamy Italian sauce.
Should I let the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing helps keep it juicy.
Is the Italian dressing mix used wet or dry?
The recipe uses one 2/3 ounce package of dry Italian salad dressing mix.