Description
Comforting one-pan meal with juicy chicken, aromatic garlic, tangy diced tomatoes in velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Balanced with Italian herbs and paprika for flavorful, quick weeknight pasta.
Ingredients
10 oz dry pasta (any variety)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced tomatoes
2 cups chopped spinach (optional)
2 cups heavy cream (16 oz)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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Season chicken: Sprinkle both sides of chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
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Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Cook chicken 5 minutes per side or until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
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Make sauce base: In the same pan, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
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Add vegetables: Stir in diced tomatoes and spinach (if using). Cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
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Create creamy sauce: Lower heat, pour in heavy cream, and whisk until combined. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine: Slice cooked chicken and return it to the pan with the pasta. Toss gently until coated and heated through.
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Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Use freshly minced garlic to enhance flavor.
Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture in sauce.
Stir cream and cheese gently to avoid curdling.
Add spinach last to keep bright green color.
Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 615
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 530
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 190
Keywords: creamy garlic chicken pasta, tomato parmesan pasta, one pan chicken pasta, creamy tomato pasta dinner, weeknight pasta recipe