Description:
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken pieces and pasta in a rich and creamy garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but is also sophisticated enough for entertaining guests. With its indulgent garlic cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, this meal is sure to satisfy all your cravings for something hearty and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- Water, for boiling
- Salt, for the pasta water
- For the Cream Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- 2 cups spinach leaves (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken slices with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- If using, add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, and cook until the spinach wilts.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Nutritional Information Estimate (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 490mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 35g
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is not only comforting but also packed with flavors that meld together beautifully. The optional additions of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach add color and nutritional value, making this dish both appealing and wholesome. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, it’s sure to become a new favorite!