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A plate of simple chicken pasta garnished with fresh herbs.

Simple Chicken Pasta

A cozy, creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant tomatoes, and fresh spinach, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the pasta

  • 10 oz pasta (penne) I always use Barilla penne for the best texture.

For the chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breast (cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes)
  • 1.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • salt salt Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • black pepper black pepper Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil Preferably Bertolli extra virgin olive oil.

For the sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter Kerrygold unsalted butter is recommended.
  • 4 cloves garlic (freshly minced) Freshly minced for best aroma.
  • 1 cup tomatoes (diced into 1/2-inch pieces) For best flavor.
  • 2 cups spinach Added late to retain bright color.
  • 2 cups cream Use full-fat for the richest results.
  • ½ cup parmesan (freshly grated) For a smoother melt.
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Cut chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Mince garlic and dice tomatoes. Prepare all seasonings and vegetables before cooking to keep the process smooth.

Cooking the Pasta

  • Once the water boils, add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 9–11 minutes.
  • Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.

Cooking the Chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Building the Sauce

  • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add diced tomatoes and spinach, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  • Pour in the cream, stirring to combine. Add grated parmesan and red pepper flakes, and mix until the cheese melts.

Combining Everything

  • Add the cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet. Gently fold together and adjust the sauce with reserved pasta water as needed.
  • Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For a lighter option, replace part of the cream with low-fat Greek yogurt. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g
Keyword Chicken Pasta, Comfort Food, Creamy Pasta, Easy Recipe, Weeknight Dinner
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