Description
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta recipe combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, velvety sauce made with garlic, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying and easy dinner that blends the comforting flavors of creamy pasta with healthy greens.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into small bite-size pieces
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Flour, for dredging
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prepare for mixing with the sauce later.
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge each piece in flour to create a light coating for frying.
- Cook Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the floured chicken pieces and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Make Sauce Base: Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors and reduce slightly.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the sauce and cook until it wilts down, about 2 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and spinach pasta warm, perfect for a cozy meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour for dredging.
- Ensure not to overcook the spinach to retain its bright color and nutrients.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
