Creamy Chicken Pasta

Here’s a delicious recipe for Creamy Chicken Pasta, perfect for a comforting, indulgent meal with tender chicken and a rich, velvety sauce.

Creamy Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
• 2 cups spinach (optional)
• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the creamy sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
   • Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
4. Add the cheese and extras: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach (if using). Let the spinach wilt and the cheese melt, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Combine the chicken and pasta: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips:

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
• Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy this creamy, satisfying chicken pasta!