A perfect blend of creamy, spicy flavors that will satisfy your cravings and impress your family. This dish is a convenient one-pot meal that can be tailored to suit various dietary needs and ingredient preferences.
Ingredients
Scale:
12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup cooked chicken, diced (or shrimp)
1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Extra red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Gather all the ingredients. If using shrimp, make sure they are peeled and deveined, and if using chicken, ensure it's already cooked and diced.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the broth is boiling, add the pasta, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Reduce the heat to medium, and cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
When the pasta is almost ready, add the cherry tomatoes and spinach. Stir and allow them to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Lower the heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes until thickened.
If using shrimp, add them now, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. If using cooked chicken, heat it through.
Remove from heat, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Dish out the pasta into bowls, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley and extra red pepper flakes if desired.