Description
This bold and creamy pasta dish merges comfort with zesty flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 12 oz cavatappi or penne pasta
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking. In a mixing bowl, combine the cut chicken with Cajun seasoning, half of the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This step allows the chicken to absorb the flavors while you prep the other ingredients, enhancing the overall dish.
- Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your choice of cavatappi or penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until the pasta reaches an al dente texture. Be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta; this starchy water is vital for adjusting the sauce consistency later on.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter along with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and sear them until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. This infuses the butter and oil with a rich garlic flavor. Next, pour in the heavy cream and stir in the softened cream cheese, allowing it to completely melt and combine into a creamy mixture. Be patient, as this will take a few minutes.
- Afterward, introduce the grated Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring continuously. Allow the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken. Adjust the seasoning by tasting; you might want to add additional Cajun seasoning or a pinch of salt and pepper. If the sauce appears too thick, incorporate a splash of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Fold in the chopped spinach and artichoke hearts into the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts and the artichokes are heated through, creating a beautiful contrast of color against the creamy background. This step adds nutritional value while enhancing the dish’s flavor.
- Finally, return the cooked pasta and seared chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to ensure the sauce evenly coats the pasta and chicken. You can adjust the heat if needed to ensure everything is hot but not overcooked.
- Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley and chili flakes if desired, to bring in an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color. Serve hot, and relish the compliments!
Notes
For a creamier sauce, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before using. Always reserve some pasta water; it’s great for adjusting the sauce’s thickness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Protein: 38 g