Chicken Spinach Pasta
Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of Chicken Spinach Pasta, a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender slices of seasoned chicken breast pair beautifully with al dente pasta and fresh, vibrant baby spinach, all enveloped in a luscious, garlic-infused cream sauce made with parmesan cheese and a hint of Italian seasoning. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing taste. Customize the spice level with optional red pepper flakes, and finish with extra parmesan for a decadent touch. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this pasta recipe will quickly become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 12 ounces pasta (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board. Slice into thin strips after resting.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add the butter and grated parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Season the sauce with additional salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), adjusting to taste.
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything together to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2661 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 172.4 g | 221% | |
| Saturated Fat | 86.5 g | 432% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 678 mg | 226% | |
| Sodium | 4730 mg | 206% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 94.8 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.3 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 164.0 g | 328% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1108 mg | 85% | |
| Iron | 11.3 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 1242 mg | 26% | |
*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.
