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Simple Chicken Pasta

Simple Chicken Pasta: Comfort Food in Just 30 Minutes

This Simple Chicken Pasta is a quick, creamy dish perfect for family dinners, ready in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 590

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Penne or Fusilli Use for best sauce adherence.
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken Breast Cut into bite-sized cubes.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Enhances chicken flavor.
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Blend of dried herbs.
  • 1 tsp Paprika Adds mild warmth.
  • to taste Salt & Black Pepper Essential for flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Use extra virgin.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Butter Unsalted for better control.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (freshly minced) Enhances aroma.
  • 1 cup Tomatoes Fresh or sun-dried.
  • 2 cups Spinach Can substitute with kale.
  • 1 cup Cream Key for creamy texture.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Freshly grated.
  • to taste Red Pepper Flakes Optional for heat.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, combine chicken breast with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated and let rest for a few minutes.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, melt butter, and add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds, then add tomatoes and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts.
  5. Lower heat and slowly pour in cream, stirring. Add Parmesan and mix until melted. Return chicken and pasta to skillet, tossing to coat with sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
  6. Transfer to plates and garnish with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 590kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 33gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to maintain creamy texture.

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