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For this creamy Parmesan chicken dish, you need a few key items: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream These main ingredients form the base of your meal. The chicken brings protein, while the penne pasta adds heartiness. The heavy cream gives the sauce its rich, velvety texture. To boost the flavor, gather these items: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds richness. Garlic gives a lovely aroma and flavor. Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, making it creamy and delicious. For a pop of color and taste, include: - 1 cup baby spinach - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Baby spinach adds nutrients and a fresh touch. Italian seasoning gives depth to the dish. Finally, parsley garnishes your meal and adds a fresh bite. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To boil penne pasta correctly, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and stir to keep it from sticking. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 11 minutes. For al dente texture, check the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. It should be firm but not hard. For flavor, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This mix adds great taste. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden brown color. The chicken should be cooked through. After cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. Start by sautéing minced garlic in the same skillet. Cook it for about one minute until it smells amazing. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and stir. Bring it to a gentle simmer while stirring. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. This step is key to a creamy sauce. Now, add the baby spinach to the sauce. Stir until it wilts down a bit. Then, add the cooked penne pasta to the creamy sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta well. For a nice presentation, arrange the sliced chicken on top of the creamy pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley for a bright touch. Serve warm for the best flavor. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To keep your chicken juicy, do not overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 165°F (75°C). This ensures it stays moist and tender. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This step helps the juices settle, making every bite flavorful. If you want a lighter sauce, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk. These options cut calories but keep the taste rich. To achieve a smooth consistency, add the cheese slowly. Stir it in gradually to avoid lumps and ensure it melts evenly. Pair your creamy pasta with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A bright green salad adds crunch and balances the creaminess. For wine lovers, a crisp white wine works best. Try a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc; they complement the flavors well. You can find the Full Recipe to guide you through each step with ease. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or salmon. Both add great flavor. - Shrimp: Cook shrimp until pink and tender. Add them to the sauce after the garlic. - Salmon: Bake or pan-sear salmon fillets. Flake the fish and mix it into the pasta. If you want a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or tofu. They absorb flavors well. Just sauté them until golden before adding to the dish. Penne is a classic choice, but you can try other pasta types. - Fusilli: Twisted shapes grab more sauce. - Farfalle: Bowtie pasta adds a fun look. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free penne or brown rice pasta. Cook them as directed on the package for the best results. You can boost flavors by adding herbs or spices. - Basil or Oregano: These fresh herbs add brightness. - Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds a nice kick. Experimenting with different cheeses can change the whole dish. - Mozzarella: For a melty, gooey texture. - Pecorino Romano: It adds sharpness and depth. For the full recipe, check out Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne. Enjoy your cooking! To keep your creamy Parmesan chicken with penne fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps prevent moisture build-up. When stored correctly, leftovers last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks different, it's best to toss it. Freezing is a great option for longer storage. To freeze, first cool the dish completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Label them with the date for easy tracking. You can freeze creamy Parmesan chicken with penne for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place it in a saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of cream to bring back the dish's original creaminess. Enjoy your flavorful meal again! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps provided earlier. Yes, you can use other cheeses. Here are some great options: - Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. - Asiago adds a nutty flavor. - Grana Padano works well for a similar texture. These cheeses melt nicely and add depth to the dish. Many side dishes go well with this meal. Here are some popular ideas: - Garlic bread for a classic touch. - A fresh garden salad adds crunch. - Roasted vegetables bring color and flavor. These sides complement the creamy chicken nicely. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta. You can find various brands at stores. Here are a few options: - Brown rice penne for a mild flavor. - Chickpea penne adds protein and fiber. - Quinoa pasta offers a unique texture. These options work well in the recipe. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips for meal prepping: - Cook the chicken and pasta, then store them separately. - Make the sauce and keep it in the fridge. - Combine everything before serving for the best taste. This way, you save time on busy nights. For the full recipe, check the earlier section! This blog post covers how to make a creamy parmesan chicken with penne. We talked about main ingredients, flavor enhancers, and tips for cooking. You learned the best ways to prepare chicken and pasta, plus how to make a delicious sauce. Remember to try different proteins, pasta, and flavors for fun twists. Store your leftovers right to enjoy them later. Cooking can be simple and enjoyable with the right steps. Dive in and create your own tasty version of this dish!

Creamy Parmesan Chicken with Penne

Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy Parmesan chicken with penne! This delicious recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant spinach, it's a meal the whole family will love. Follow our easy steps to create this mouthwatering dish from scratch. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this comforting favorite to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 oz penne pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup baby spinach

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Penne: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

      Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let them rest before slicing into strips.

        Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

          Add Spinach and Pasta: Stir in the baby spinach until wilted, then add the cooked penne pasta to the creamy sauce. Toss to combine and heat through.

            Combine and Serve: Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the creamy pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve warm.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4