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- 8 ounces of fettuccine or penne pasta - 2 tablespoons of olive oil - 1 pound of chicken breast, diced - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 can (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes - 1 cup of heavy cream - 3 cups of fresh spinach - 1/2 cup of fresh basil, chopped - 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Spinach and Chicken

Discover the perfect comfort food with this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Spinach and Chicken. This delicious recipe combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and fragrant basil in a rich creamy sauce, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With easy-to-follow instructions, you'll create a dish that's not only flavorful but also nutritious. Enjoy a wholesome meal that the whole family will love, packed with the goodness of fresh ingredients and a touch of elegance.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine or penne)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced into strips

Salt and black pepper, to taste

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

½ cup fresh basil, chopped

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for adjusting the sauce later. Set the pasta aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken strips generously with salt and black pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

      Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

        Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Mix in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using), then season with additional salt and pepper to your liking. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.

          Combine Ingredients: Add the drained pasta, sautéed chicken, chopped spinach, and fresh basil to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

            Finish the Dish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully integrated. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

              Serve and Enjoy: Serve the creamy tomato basil pasta warm in large bowls, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil to enhance the aroma and presentation.

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