Print

Simple Chicken Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A creamy and comforting chicken pasta dish that can be made in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz Penne or Fusilli
  • 1 lb Chicken Breast (cut into bite-sized cubes)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin)
  • 2 tbsp Butter (unsalted)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (freshly minced)
  • 1 cup Tomatoes (fresh or sun-dried)
  • 2 cups Spinach (substitute with kale if desired)
  • 1 cup Cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan (freshly grated)
  • to taste Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or fusilli and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water just in case you need it later.
  2. Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the bite-sized chicken cubes with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to ensure an even coating.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and freshly minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
  5. Add the Tomatoes & Spinach: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and spinach. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.
  6. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 3-5 minutes, thickening slightly. If it gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  7. Combine and Serve: Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce. Gently fold in the cooked pasta and half of the grated Parmesan, heating through for about a minute.
  8. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot, sprinkled with remaining Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

To save time, prep the chicken and vegetables while the pasta cooks. For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken beforehand.

Nutrition

Scroll to Top