Creamy Simple Chicken Pasta in 30 Minutes for Dinner Bliss

Enjoy this simple chicken pasta that's creamy and delicious, ready in just 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 700

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Pasta

10 oz Barilla penne pasta Use for the best texture and bite.

For the Chicken

1 lb chicken breast Cut into bite-sized cubes for quick cooking.
1.5 tsp garlic powder Adds flavor; can substitute with fresh minced garlic.
1.5 tsp Italian seasoning Enhances the dish with herb notes.
1 tsp paprika Provides mild spice; smoked paprika works as well.
Salt Adjust to taste.
Black pepper Freshly cracked is preferred.

For the Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil Bertolli extra virgin recommended.
2 tbsp butter Kerrygold unsalted for best quality.
4 cloves garlic Minced; can replace with garlic powder.
1 cup tomatoes Fresh diced or canned work.
2 cups spinach Swap with kale or other greens if preferred.
2 cups cream Half-and-half can be a lighter alternative.
1/2 cup parmesan Freshly grated is best.
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes Adjust for spice preference.

Equipment

Large Pot
colander
large skillet
medium bowl

Method

Cooking Steps

Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions for 9-11 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water before draining.
Season chicken in a bowl with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook seasoned chicken in a skillet with olive oil for about 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
In the same skillet, add butter and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Then add tomatoes and spinach.
Pour in cream, add parmesan and red pepper flakes. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
Combine the cooked chicken and pasta with the sauce. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
Taste and adjust seasoning; serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 700kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze portions for up to 2 months.

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