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Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta served in a white bowl on a marble counter, made with penne pasta, juicy seared chicken strips, rich garlic parmesan sauce, fresh parsley, and grated parmesan cheese.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta with tender chicken thighs, fresh spinach and rich cheese sauce in 30 minutes. High protein weeknight dinner featuring restaurant-quality flavors with simple ingredients for the perfect comfort food meal.
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Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 485kcal
Cost: 12.50

Equipment

  • Large skillet or heavy pan (For browning chicken and making sauce)
  • Large pot (For boiling pasta)
  • Sharp knife (For cutting chicken into pieces)
  • Wooden spoon (For stirring without scratching)
  • Cheese Grater (Fresh parmesan tastes much better)

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs - Cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil - For cooking chicken
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder - For seasoning chicken
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Adds herb flavor
  • 1 teaspoon salt - To taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper - To taste
  • 12 oz penne pasta - Or any short pasta shape
  • 4 cloves garlic - Minced fresh
  • 1 cup heavy cream - Full-fat for best results
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese - Freshly grated preferred
  • 2 cups fresh spinach - Baby spinach works best
  • 2 tablespoons butter - Unsalted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley - For garnish

Instructions 

  • Season chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper
  • Cook seasoned chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through
  • Remove chicken from pan and set aside, keep drippings
  • Add butter and minced garlic to same pan, cook 30 seconds
  • Pour in heavy cream and bring to gentle simmer
  • Add cooked pasta and toss with cream sauce
  • Gradually stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth
  • Return chicken to pan, add spinach until wilted, garnish with parsley

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother, silkier sauce. Baby spinach is best for quick wilting. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal (24%) | Carbohydrates: 45g (15%) | Protein: 32g (64%) | Fat: 22g (34%) | Saturated Fat: 12g (75%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 95mg (32%) | Sodium: 680mg (30%) | Potassium: 420mg (12%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 4g (4%) | Vitamin A: 2850IU (57%) | Vitamin C: 12mg (15%) | Calcium: 285mg (29%) | Iron: 2.8mg (16%)