Easy & Flavorful Bake Chicken Pasta with Creamy Garlic

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 cups fresh spinach (optional)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish