Description
Succulent garlic chicken pasta brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen, promising a delightful blend of rich flavors. Creamy sauce and tender chicken create a memorable meal that will satisfy your deepest dinner cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 10 ounces (283 grams) dry pasta (any kind)
- 1 cup (150 grams) tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups (60 grams) spinach, chopped (optional)
Seasonings and Dairy:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and reserve.
- Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with a blend of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F), then carefully place seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a plate, keeping warm.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Add diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Incorporate fresh spinach and cook until leaves wilt and reduce in volume, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring continuously.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the creamy sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and toss thoroughly to ensure even sauce distribution.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Toast pasta briefly in olive oil before boiling to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent sticking.
- Choose chicken breast thickness uniformly for even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-packaged for richer, more authentic sauce texture.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter, lower-calorie version without compromising creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 765 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 47 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg