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Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Tomato & Spinach Recipe

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4.3 from 69 reviews

A rich and comforting creamy garlic chicken pasta with fresh tomatoes and spinach, cooked in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. This easy 25-minute stovetop recipe combines tender chicken breast with perfectly cooked pasta and a flavorful blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika for a delicious family-friendly meal.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 10 ounces dry pasta (any kind)

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomatoes, diced
  • 2 cups spinach, chopped (optional)
  • 2 cups heavy cream (16 oz)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  2. Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side or until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  4. Sauté Garlic, Tomato & Spinach: In the same pan, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the diced tomatoes and chopped spinach, cooking for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften and spinach wilts.
  5. Make Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously until the mixture is fully incorporated, creamy, and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine & Serve: Slice or cube the cooked chicken and add back into the pan with the sauce. Stir in the drained pasta and toss everything together until well combined. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or rotini.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Adding spinach is optional but adds a nice color and nutritional boost.
  • Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
  • This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American