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- 8 ounces penne pasta - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 4 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Skillet

Indulge in a deliciously creamy chicken and spinach pasta skillet that the whole family will love. This one-skillet meal features tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and perfectly cooked penne pasta enveloped in a rich cream sauce. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and an easy cooking method, this comforting dish deserves a spot in your weekly dinner rotation. Discover how to make it today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup (240ml) chicken broth

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

1 cup (100g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup (75g) grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through, roughly 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

      Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn as it can turn bitter.

        Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth along with the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Italian seasoning to infuse the sauce with flavor.

          Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low, then return the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Add the roughly chopped spinach and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted down nicely.

            Add Cheese and Pasta: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture. Then, add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta is coated in the luscious sauce.

              Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve the pasta while hot for the best flavor and enjoy!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy pasta in shallow bowls and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for added richness. A few basil leaves can add a vibrant pop of color.