Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Kale Pasta

Looking for a new way to celebrate pasta night? This rustic, Tuscan-inspired dish is sure to become a favorite. Spaghetti is cooked until perfectly al dente, then tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Bites of pan-roasted chicken are seasoned with Italian herbs for aromatic flavor and a touch of heat, while garlicky wilted kale adds tender texture throughout.

It’s an incredibly satisfying meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and earthy kale creates a balanced and delicious dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

10 ounce Chopped Chicken BreastView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce KaleView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Cream Sauce BaseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Tuscan Heat SpiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce SpaghettiView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. While pasta cooks, pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and half the Tuscan Heat Spice.
3. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, 4-6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add a splash of oil to the skillet, then add chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
5. Return chicken to skillet. Add cream sauce base, remaining Tuscan Heat Spice, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Stir and bring to a simmer.
6. Add cooked spaghetti and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat, adding more pasta water if needed for a creamy consistency. Squeeze lemon juice over the top, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.
7. Garnish with additional Parmesan if desired.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Large pot

IMUSA 16 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid - Large Cooking Pot for Soups, Stews, Pasta, Seafood Boiling and Family Meals - Riveted Handles for Easy TransportView on AmazonCAROTE 8QT Full Clad Tri Ply Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid, Kitchen Soup Pot, All Stoves Compatible, Oven & Dishwasher Safe, Stay Cool Handle, White, Mothers Day GiftsView on AmazonKirecoo Stainless Steel Stock Pot - 8 Quart Heavy Duty Induction Cooking Pot with Visible Lid for Pasta, Soup, Spaghetti, Nonstick Thick Bottom Big Stockpot, Deep Cookware for Canning, Boiling, SimmerView on Amazon

Large skillet

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on AmazonFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker/Saute Pan with Helper Handle -Aluminum, 6 Quart, BlueView on AmazonTramontina Professional 14-Inch Non Stick Extra Large Frying Pan, Heavy-Gauge Aluminum Skillet with Reinforced Nonstick Coating, Red Handle, Dishwasher and Oven SafeView on Amazon

Colander

EXCELSTEEL Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Colander 5 Qt | Easy Grip Handles | Self-Draining Base | Mirror Polished | Dishwasher Safe | Pack of 1View on AmazonOXO Good Grips 3 QT Plastic ColanderView on AmazonU.S. Kitchen Supply Stainless Steel Colander Strainer - 6-Quart Collapsible Colander with Expandable Rubber Handles - Rectangular Sieve, Fine Mesh Stainless Steel Strainers and Colanders for KitchenView on Amazon

Knife

Legal Pocket Knife with 2.95” Serrated Blade, Glass Breaker, Seat Belt Cutter - EDC Sharp Folding Knives with Portable Clip - Small Tool for Tactical Camping Survival Hiking - Gifts for Men 6680View on AmazonSmith & Wesson Accessories Extreme Ops SWA24S 7.1in S.S. Folding Knife with 3.1in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDCView on AmazonAmazon Basics Classic 8-inch Full Tang High Carbon Stainless Steel Chef's Knife, Multipurpose Kitchen Knife with Three Rivets, SilverView on Amazon

Cutting board

Astercook Deep-Carbonized Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen with Wood Storage Stand, Reversible Charcuterie & Chopping Boards with Juice Grooves and Easy-Grip Handles, Fathers Day Gift for MenView on AmazonZeawec 3-Piece Set Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen - Crack-Resistant Wood Chopping Boards with Deep Juice Grooves, Pre-Oiled Butcher Block for Meat, Vegetables & Cheese, CarbonizedView on AmazonTitanium Cutting Board for Kitchen, Cutting Board Double Sided Food Grade, Pure Titanium/PP, Easy to Clean Large Size 15”×10.3”View on Amazon

Measuring spoons

Measuring Spoons, Premium Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons Cups Set, Small Tablespoon with Metric and US Measurements, Set of 6 for Measuring Dry and Liquid IngredientsView on AmazonTILUCK Measuring Cups & Spoons Set, Stackable Cups and Spoons, Nesting Measure Cups with Stainless Steel Handle, Kitchen Gadgets for Cooking & Baking (Black)View on AmazonSpring Chef Stainless Steel Magnetic Measuring Spoons Set with Strong N45 Magnets, Heavy Duty Metal Kitchen Gadgets for Baking & Cooking, Fits in Most Kitchen Spice Jars, Set of 8 with Leveler, BlackView on Amazon

Citrus juicer

AmazonShop popular Citrus juicer on AmazonView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine works well. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.

Can I substitute the chicken?

Absolutely! Sliced chicken breast or thighs work great. For a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or white beans.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.