Description
A creamy and comforting Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe featuring tender chicken, rich cheeses, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all combined in a single skillet for an easy and delicious meal ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the Italian seasoning and uncooked penne pasta. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Add Cream: Once pasta is cooked through, add the heavy cream and gently bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Combine Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the cooked chicken pieces, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses. Mix well until the cheeses melt and the dish is creamy and well combined.
- Wilt Spinach: If using, add fresh spinach leaves and cook for an additional minute until wilted, incorporating them into the creamy sauce.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes to thicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken broth with low sodium if you want to control salt levels.
- Fresh spinach is optional but adds a nice color and nutrition boost.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melt.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream option.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking.
