My Version Carino's Spicy Romano Chicken

Indulge in the bold and creamy flavors of "My Version Carino's Spicy Romano Chicken," a restaurant-inspired dish packed with zesty spice and gourmet flair. This recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts paired with a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce infused with cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes for an irresistible kick. Tossed with perfectly al dente penne pasta and fresh spinach, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and upscale dining. With just 15 minutes of prep and a total cook time of 40 minutes, this crowd-pleasing recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Serve it garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and elegance, and savor every spicy, cheesy bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1.5 cups Heavy cream
• 3 cups Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cup Sun-dried tomatoes
• 12 ounces Penne pasta
• 2 cups Fresh spinach
• 8 cups Water
• 1 tablespoon Salt for pasta water
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 3

Cook the chicken breasts in the skillet for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through, and remove them from the skillet. Let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 4

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the butter. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream and stir well.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes.

Step 7

Meanwhile, bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 8

Stir fresh spinach into the spicy alfredo sauce and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 9

Add the cooked and drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat it evenly.

Step 10

Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips and serve them on top of the pasta.

Step 11

Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3440.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4723.2

Total Fat 277.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 147.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 974.8mg	0%
Sodium 10622.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 281.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.3g	0%
Total Sugars 10.6g
Protein 252.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2938.1mg	0%
Iron 20.1mg	0%
Potassium 1713.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.9%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 24.3%