Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta with Chicken

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 28 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup Heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
• 5 oz Spinach
• 1 lb Penne pasta
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. 1Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 lb of penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). Before draining the pasta, carefully reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water in a heatproof bowl or cup, then drain the pasta in a colander.
2. 2While the pasta is cooking, place 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts on a clean cutting board and cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
3. 3Place a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C). Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the cut chicken pieces. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is browned on all sides and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. 4Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. 5Pour the 28 oz of canned crushed tomatoes into the skillet. Stir in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low (300°F / 150°C) and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. 6Add the 5 oz of fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir the spinach into the sauce and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted down into the sauce.
7. 7Add the drained 1 lb of penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved 1/2 cup of pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. 8Serve the creamy tomato and spinach pasta with chicken immediately. If desired, sprinkle with the 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.

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