Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

 

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (about 225g) fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb (about 450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup spinach leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Season and Cook the Chicken:

   • Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken slices and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes:

   • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

4. Add Spinach and Cream:

   • Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
   • Pour in the heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate any flavorful bits. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer.

5. Create the Sauce:

   • Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth.

6. Combine Pasta and Chicken:

   • Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet, tossing until it's well-coated in the creamy sauce.
   • Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it over the pasta.

7. Season and Garnish:

   • Sprinkle dried Italian herbs over the pasta and season with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Serve the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta immediately, offering extra Parmesan on the side for those who enjoy an extra cheesy kick.

This delectable pasta dish is a perfect blend of creamy richness and savory flavors, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the comforting embrace of this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta!