Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta
A simple yet satisfying creamy chicken penne pasta dish that offers warmth and comfort, perfect for weeknights and gatherings alike.
Ingredients
Pasta Base
- 10 ounces dry pasta, any kind provides the base of the dish
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast offers protein and texture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking and adding moisture
- 1 tablespoon butter adds richness
- 4 cloves garlic, minced brings aromatic flavor
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced adds freshness and moisture
- 2 cups spinach, chopped, optional offers nutrition and color
- 2 cups heavy cream creates a rich, creamy sauce
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated adds depth of flavor
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder adds savory flavor
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning enhances overall taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika contributes mild warmth
- Salt & pepper to taste, boosts flavor
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Start by cooking the dry pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Preparing the Chicken
- Cut the boneless skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken pieces, cooking them until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Adding Aroma
- Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Incorporating Tomatoes
- Add the diced tomatoes into the skillet and cook until they soften slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Adding Spinach
- Fold in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt down, about 1-2 minutes.
Creating the Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- Gradually add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the creamy chicken mixture. Use reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Final Touches
- Fold in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, tasting and adjusting seasoning as necessary.
Serving
- Serve warm, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if preferred.
Notes
For best results, consider marinating the chicken before cooking and be mindful of the heat level when simmering the cream.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 789kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 40gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 860mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
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