Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- ½ tsp (3g) salt
- ¼ tsp (1g) cracked black pepper
- 1 box (5.2 oz / 148g) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
- 2 cloves (6g) garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz (340g) penne or fusilli pasta
- 2 cups (60g) fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add chicken in a single layer. Sear without moving for 3 minutes until a mahogany-colored crust forms.
- Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium. In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the Boursin cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Whisk constantly until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is bubbling and velvety.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and baby spinach to the sauce. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is just wilted.
- Fold the cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the pan.
- If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a glossy, coating consistency.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.