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Creamy Paprika Chicken & Pasta with a Hint of Green

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Creamy Paprika Chicken & Pasta with a Hint of Green is a comforting, one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, a smoky paprika cream sauce, and pasta, finished with a touch of fresh greens for added flavor and color.

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
  2. 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 small onion, chopped
  5. 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or preferred type)
  6. 1 cup chicken broth
  7. 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  8. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  9. 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  10. 2 cups baby spinach or 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  11. Salt and black pepper, to taste
  12. Optional: red pepper flakes, for heat

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season sliced chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
  5. Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Return cooked chicken to the pan and stir in the cooked pasta.
  7. Add spinach or herbs and stir until wilted and evenly distributed.
  8. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Use smoked paprika for deeper flavor, or sweet paprika for a milder profile.
  • Don’t boil the cream sauce rapidly to avoid curdling.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
  • Reheat with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/creamy-paprika-chicken-pasta-with-a-hint-of-green/