Description
A creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender chicken, garlic, and spinach, all enveloped in a rich Parmesan sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
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3 thin-sliced chicken breasts
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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2 tablespoons flour, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder
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1 can of full-fat coconut milk or 1½ cups heavy cream
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1 (16-ounce) package of penne
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½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
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5 ounces baby spinach
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes per side. Remove from heat and slice thinly.
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In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Stir in flour (or cornstarch/arrowroot powder) and cook for 1–2 minutes.
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Gradually whisk in coconut milk or heavy cream, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
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Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Add cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and spinach to the sauce. Stir until well combined.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For added flavor, consider incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms into the dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: garlic parmesan, chicken pasta bake, creamy pasta, comfort food, baked pasta dish