Creamy Chicken and Pasta with Spinach
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy chicken and pasta with spinach recipe—a hearty meal that's packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, golden-browned chicken breast slices and perfectly cooked penne pasta are enveloped in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, highlighted with fragrant garlic and Italian seasoning. Fresh spinach adds a healthy pop of color and nutrients, making this dish as wholesome as it is delicious. Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-pan recipe is easy to prepare, yet luxurious enough to impress family or guests. Serve it with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, and transform your dinner into a truly satisfying experience!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper on both sides.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. Once cooled slightly, slice the chicken into bite-sized strips.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once the butter is melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Whisk in the grated parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the spinach wilts.
Stir in the cooked pasta and sliced chicken. Toss everything together to coat well in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy chicken and pasta with spinach!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3358 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 168.7 g | 216% | |
| Saturated Fat | 81.8 g | 409% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 658 mg | 219% | |
| Sodium | 4647 mg | 202% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 259.2 g | 94% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.2 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 183.1 g | 366% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 873 mg | 67% | |
| Iron | 21.0 mg | 117% | |
| Potassium | 1942 mg | 41% | |
*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.
