🍝 Creamy Chicken Pasta with Garlic Bread 🍞
📌 Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp paprika
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup tomato sauce or marinara sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
1 tbsp dried oregano
For the Garlic Bread:
4 slices of bread (French or Italian)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Salt to taste
🍽 Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and browned. Remove from heat and slice the chicken into thin strips.
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for the sauce if needed.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the tomato sauce and grated Parmesan cheese, and let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
Add the cooked chicken slices to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Prepare the Garlic Bread:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt.
Spread the garlic butter on the bread slices and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the bread is golden and toasted.
Assemble the Dish:
Serve the creamy chicken pasta on a plate, and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve the garlic bread on the side.
Serve:
Enjoy your rich, creamy chicken pasta paired with the crispy garlic bread!
👩🍳 Pro Tip: You can add a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat or stir in some spinach for added flavor and color!