Creamy Italiano Chicken and Pasta
Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Italiano Chicken and Pasta, a weeknight dinner favorite that combines tender, seasoned chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Infused with aromatic garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of spice from optional red pepper flakes, this dish brings a touch of elegance to your table without the fuss. Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients, while the creamy sauce clings perfectly to every bite of pasta and juicy chicken. Ready in just 45 minutes, this comforting Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for busy evenings or a cozy date night. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread for a restaurant-worthy meal that’s sure to impress.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups Fresh spinach
- 12 ounces Penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the sauce and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return to the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4017 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 187.4 g | 240% | |
| Saturated Fat | 89.4 g | 447% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 974 mg | 325% | |
| Sodium | 5205 mg | 226% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 260.9 g | 95% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.5 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g | ||
| Protein | 298.7 g | 597% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1114 mg | 86% | |
| Iron | 23.7 mg | 132% | |
| Potassium | 2942 mg | 63% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
