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the best cheesy chicken pasta

Indulge in the comfort of Cheesy Chicken Pasta Delight, a creamy classic that brings everyone together! This one-pot wonder features tender chicken, rich cheeses, and vibrant spinach paired with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Perfect for any occasion, it's easy to make and requires minimal cleanup. Elevate your dinner game with this satisfying dish that promises smiles at the table. Try it today! #CheesyChickenPasta #ComfortFood #PastaRecipes #FamilyDinner #OnePotMeals
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) penne pasta

2 cups chicken breast, diced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup spinach, fresh

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

    Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

      Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent.

        Combine Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Allow it to simmer gently for a minute. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

          Mix Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, then combine with the cooked penne pasta. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

            Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes as desired. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings