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Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta

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This Creamy Chicken Pasta features tender chicken breast, garlic, and Parmesan in a rich, velvety sauce. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s an ideal dish for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or your choice)
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup baby spinach or cherry tomatoes (optional, for added flavor and texture)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta:

    • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.

  • Cook the Chicken:

    • Season the chicken with half of the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  • Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

    • In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits on the skillet.
    • Lower the heat to medium, add heavy cream, and bring to a gentle simmer.

  • Add Cheese and Combine:

    • Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add remaining salt and pepper to taste.
    • Return the chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.

  • Add Optional Ingredients:

    • Fold in spinach or cherry tomatoes if desired, allowing them to wilt slightly in the warm sauce.

  • Serve:

    • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
  • Variations: Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or red pepper flakes for added flavor.

Find it online: https://recipe.ukfinda.com/cheesy-ranch-chicken-pasta/