One-Pan Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tsp dried herbs and spices (such as Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for seasoning chicken)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing chicken)
• 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
• 3 garlic (cloves, minced)
• 2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
• 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 2 cup fresh baby spinach (packed)
• fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Season the chicken breast pieces thoroughly with herbs and spices.

2. 2

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until it is beautifully golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. 3

   In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. 4

   Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. 5

   Add the uncooked penne pasta to the skillet. Let it cook in the liquid, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

6. 6

   Stir in plenty of fresh Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.

7. 7

   Add the seared chicken back into the pan.

8. 8

   Finish the dish by adding the fresh spinach, stirring until it is just wilted.

9. 9

   Top with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure you use a large enough skillet to accommodate the pasta and liquid. If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is done, add a splash more broth or milk.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• one-pan
• chicken
• pasta
• creamy
• comfort food