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Holiday “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta

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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken breast, sliced into thin fillets

12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season the chicken fillets with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping any bits stuck to the bottom.

        Add Cream and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

          Incorporate Spinach and Cheese: Sprinkle in the chopped spinach, stir until wilted, and then add the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired creaminess.

            Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

              Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil. For an extra touch, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4