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- Chicken and Pasta Essentials - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed - 8 oz penne pasta - Creamy Sauce Components - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Seasoning and Garnish Options - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For this dish, you need chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce. The penne pasta is perfect for holding the sauce. The chicken adds protein, and the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese give it a rich flavor. You can spice it up with garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Fresh parsley is great for garnish and adds color. Make sure to have all these ingredients ready. This will help you cook faster and enjoy your meal sooner. You can also try different cheeses or herbs if you want to mix things up. How to Cook Penne Pasta Perfectly To cook penne pasta, start by boiling a pot of water. Add a pinch of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Add the penne to the boiling water. Cook it for about 10-12 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta in a colander. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water for later use. Tips for Reserving Pasta Water When you drain the pasta, be careful not to lose the water. Use a measuring cup to catch the water before it all goes down the drain. This water is starchy and helps thicken the sauce later. Set it aside in a safe spot. Seasoning and Cooking Chicken Breasts Take two boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into cubes. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes to the pan. Season them with salt, pepper, and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color to know it’s done. Ensuring the Chicken is Cooked Through To check if your chicken is fully cooked, cut a piece in half. The inside should be white, not pink. If you see pink, cook it a bit longer. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Sautéing Garlic for Flavor In the same skillet, add three minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 30 seconds. You want to smell the garlic, but don’t let it burn. This step adds a lot of flavor to your sauce. Whisking in Heavy Cream and Parmesan Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in one cup of heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes. Then, gradually whisk in one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. If it becomes too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired texture. Using Fresh Ingredients Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh chicken tastes better than frozen. Fresh spinach adds bright color and flavor. Choose high-quality Parmesan for a richer taste. Fresh garlic gives a strong aroma and boosts flavor. Adjusting Seasoning to Taste Taste as you cook. Add salt and pepper bit by bit. This helps you find the right balance. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley can also brighten the dish. Adjusting Sauce Thickness You want a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta. If it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water. Start with a little, then stir well. This helps you control the texture. A good sauce coats but does not drown. Alternative Cheese Suggestions While Parmesan is great, try other cheeses too. Romano gives a sharper bite. For a milder taste, use mozzarella. Mixing cheeses can create unique flavors. Just remember to adjust salt if you use a salty cheese. Meal Prep Prep ingredients in advance to save time. Chop chicken and garlic ahead of time. Wash and dry spinach so it’s ready to go. Cooked pasta can be stored in the fridge for a quick meal later. Using Cooked Chicken Using cooked chicken can save even more time. You can use rotisserie chicken for flavor. Just shred it and add it to the sauce. This speeds up your cooking and makes it easier to enjoy your meal. {{image_2}} Gluten-Free Pasta Options If you need a gluten-free version, use rice or quinoa pasta. These options cook well and hold the sauce nicely. They also provide a similar texture to traditional penne. Dairy-Free Alternatives For a dairy-free dish, try coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Adding Vegetables (Mushrooms, Peas) You can add vegetables to boost nutrition. Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for a rich taste. Toss in peas for a sweet pop of flavor. Protein Alternatives (Shrimp, Tofu) If you want to swap proteins, shrimp cooks quickly and pairs well with the sauce. Tofu is a great plant-based choice. Just sauté it until golden and firm. Incorporating Other Herbs and Spices Feel free to mix herbs into the dish. Basil, oregano, or thyme can add fresh notes. Experimenting with different herbs makes the dish exciting and unique. Adding Heat with Red Pepper Flakes If you like a kick, add red pepper flakes. A little goes a long way. It adds warmth and balances the creaminess of the sauce. To store leftovers, place the creamy parmesan chicken pasta in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep it fresh longer. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet for best results. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often until warmed through. To freeze creamy parmesan chicken pasta, let it cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight. For the best texture, reheat it on the stove. Add a little cream or water while heating. This helps restore the creamy sauce. In the fridge, creamy parmesan chicken pasta lasts about three days. In the freezer, it can stay good for up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Keeping an eye on these signs helps ensure your meal stays tasty and safe. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Penne works well, but spaghetti or fettuccine are great too. Just cook it al dente, like the recipe says. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time? You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance. Just cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with butter. This will give you a creamy texture. Coconut cream is a good dairy-free option too. Can I bake this dish instead of cooking it on the stove? Yes, you can bake it! After mixing everything in an oven-safe dish, bake it at 350°F for 20 minutes. This adds a nice golden touch to the top. What goes well with Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta? A fresh salad pairs nicely. Garlic bread is also a favorite. You can even serve it with roasted vegetables for more color. How do I make this dish more filling? Add more protein like shrimp or sausage. You can also mix in veggies like broccoli or peas. This not only fills the dish but adds great flavor too. In this post, we explored making Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta. You learned the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking tips, and ways to enhance flavor. We also discussed variations, storage info, and answered common questions. Remember, this dish is versatile and easy to customize. Try different ingredients and flavors to make it your own. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious meal that fits your needs perfectly. Happy cooking!

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a deliciously creamy Parmesan chicken pasta that will elevate your dining experience! This easy recipe features tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich cheese sauce that will make your taste buds sing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, it's ready in just 25 minutes. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering dish!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

8 oz penne pasta

2 cups spinach, fresh

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

    In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the cubed chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

        Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow it to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.

          Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add in reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

            Add the cooked chicken and fresh spinach to the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts down and everything is well coated with the creamy sauce.

              Toss in the cooked penne pasta and mix until the pasta is fully incorporated into the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

                Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

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