Creamy Pasta with Chicken and Spinach is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. This recipe combines tender chicken breast with fresh spinach, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to please the whole family.
How To Make:
Start by cooking the pasta until it is al dente per the directions on the package.
While the pasta cooks, sauté diced chicken breast in a large skillet with olive oil until browned and cooked through. Add minced garlic and chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté until the spinach is wilted.
Next, pour in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Finally, toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken mixture until everything is well coated.
Serve this creamy pasta with chicken and spinach hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs, if desired. This dish is perfect on its own or paired with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
Be sure to season the chicken and sauce well with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.
Use gluten-free or whole-wheat pasta for a healthier alternative.
If you want a thinner sauce, you can add some chicken broth or milk to the skillet.
To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch.
Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme to add a pop of color and flavor.
Variations:
Try adding some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for an extra burst of flavor.
Swap out the chicken for shrimp, scallops, or cooked Italian sausage for a different protein option.
Add some crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Use different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or Gouda, for a unique flavor profile.
Substitute the spinach for kale or arugula for a different type of green.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless, cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Pasta should be cooked as directed on the package until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, the olive oil should be heated to a medium-high temperature. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until browned on both sides. Add the garlic and cook it for a few minutes, until it becomes fragrant. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese after lowering the heat. The sauce should be smooth and the cheese should be melted.
Add the spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until they are wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until it is well coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot and enjoy your creamy pasta with chicken and spinach!