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To make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you need a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the dish's rich flavor and creamy texture. Here’s what you will need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes - 8 oz penne pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient adds its unique flavor. The chicken gives protein, while the pasta creates heartiness. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese are the stars, giving a rich, creamy sauce. Spinach adds color and nutrition. Garlic and seasonings enhance the overall taste, making it simply delicious. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a generous amount of salt. Once boiling, toss in 8 ounces of penne pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, but save ½ cup of the starchy water. Set the pasta aside for later. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 2 cubed chicken breasts. Season with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir often until the chicken turns golden and is fully cooked. Remove the chicken and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir constantly until fragrant, but do not let it brown. Next, lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to mix with the garlic. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and the sauce thickens. If the sauce is too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Fold in 2 cups of chopped spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Gently toss to mix the pasta with the creamy sauce. Taste the dish. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as you like. Serve immediately, garnishing with finely chopped parsley for a fresh touch. To make the sauce creamy, use fresh ingredients. Heavy cream gives richness. Whisk in Parmesan slowly. This helps it melt and blend well. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water. This water adds flavor and helps achieve the right texture. Cut the chicken into small cubes. This helps it cook evenly and quickly. Season well with salt, pepper, and Italian spices. Sauté on medium heat. Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Always check that the chicken is cooked through to 165°F for safety. Serve this dish hot for the best taste. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. You can pair it with a side salad or garlic bread. This adds crunch and freshness to your meal. For a twist, sprinkle extra red pepper flakes for some heat. Enjoy your creamy Parmesan chicken pasta with family! {{image_4}} You can change the ingredients to fit your needs. If you want a lighter dish, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based cream. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free penne pasta. If you avoid chicken, try firm tofu or chickpeas instead. Boost nutrition by adding vegetables. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. You can sauté them with garlic before adding the cream. For proteins, shrimp or turkey work well. They add flavor and fun to your meal. Add more taste with herbs and spices. Fresh basil or thyme can brighten the dish. For a spicy kick, use more red pepper flakes. A squeeze of lemon juice adds freshness. You can also top with sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. To keep your creamy Parmesan chicken pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing it. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors intact and ready for your next meal. When you are ready to eat leftovers, reheat the pasta on the stove. Add a splash of water or extra cream to keep it moist. Heat over medium-low until warm, stirring often. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a good option. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months. To eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as described above for the best taste. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them. Keep the pasta separate. When ready to eat, combine everything in a pot. Heat gently until warm. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, coconut cream works well. You can also try a blend of cashews and water. Just blend until smooth. It adds creaminess without dairy. To make this a one-pot meal, cook the pasta in the same pot. Start by adding the pasta with enough water to cover it. Cook until al dente. Then, follow the same steps to add chicken, garlic, and cream. This saves time and cleanup. Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For cheese, try a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor too. Adjust the seasoning to taste for a delicious meal. This blog post covered the key ingredients for a tasty pasta dish, focusing on chicken, sauce, and seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations to suit your needs. Plus, I included storage info to keep leftovers fresh. You can easily adapt this recipe to your taste, ensuring a fun cooking adventure. Enjoy creating a meal that everyone will love!

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight! This quick and easy recipe features tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, cheesy sauce that will satisfy your cravings in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or comforting dinners, this dish is sure to impress family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with this delicious creamy pasta creation!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes

8 oz penne pasta

2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the starchy pasta water for later, and set the pasta aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the cubed chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

      Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until it turns fragrant but does not brown.

        Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then carefully pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic. Allow the cream to gently simmer for about 2-3 minutes.

          Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. If the sauce is thicker than desired, gradually add the reserved pasta water until achieving the perfect consistency.

            Combine Chicken and Spinach: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and fold in the chopped spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.

              Mix in the Pasta: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and gently toss to ensure the pasta is thoroughly mixed with the creamy concoction. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

                Final Touches: Plate the creamy chicken pasta immediately, garnishing with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4