Description
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Add Optional Ingredients:
- Fold in spinach or cherry tomatoes if desired, allowing them to wilt slightly in the warm sauce.
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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.