Ingredients
Scale
For this recipe, I’ve kept the ingredients straightforward, focusing on items you likely already have in your pantry or can easily pick up at the grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a milk and cornstarch combination. The pasta can be swapped for whole grain or gluten-free varieties if preferred.
Instructions
Let’s walk through the steps to make this dish, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish:
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and let cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Fold in the spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt in the heat of the pasta. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
A little tip from my kitchen: if the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken up naturally.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
