Treasure Chest Chicken and Pasta
Uncover a feast of flavors with Treasure Chest Chicken and Pasta, a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a creamy Parmesan-infused sauce packed with vibrant cherry tomatoes and spinach. This 40-minute recipe is a one-pan wonder, perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions. The rich sauce, made with garlic, heavy cream, and a touch of Italian seasoning, clings to every bite, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of color and aroma, and watch as this dish becomes the treasure of your dinner table. Perfect for family meals or dinner parties, this creamy chicken pasta recipe strikes the ideal balance of flavor, texture, and convenience!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups Baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 12 ounces Penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking until they soften and release their juices, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss to combine everything. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3283 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 162.3 g | 208% | |
| Saturated Fat | 76.6 g | 383% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 642 mg | 214% | |
| Sodium | 3570 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 264.8 g | 96% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.0 g | 61% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.1 g | ||
| Protein | 170.9 g | 342% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 584 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 18.2 mg | 101% | |
| Potassium | 2411 mg | 51% | |
*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.
