Heart-Healthy Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta
Indulge in a wholesome and flavorful dinner with this Heart-Healthy Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta! This delicious recipe combines tender bites of golden chicken, a rich and creamy garlic sauce made with low-fat milk, and the goodness of nutrient-packed spinach over hearty whole wheat pasta. Light on salt and packed with protein, this one-skillet wonder is thickened naturally with cornstarch, delivering all the creaminess without the guilt. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, this balanced meal is ready in just 40 minutes and makes for a quick and nutritious weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Perfect for those looking for a satisfying yet heart-healthy pasta dish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 3 unit garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the whole wheat pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breast, cut into small bite-sized pieces, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the chicken and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium chicken broth, low-fat milk, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the chicken and garlic.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and black pepper if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1719 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 61.2 g | 78% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.1 g | 131% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 485 mg | 162% | |
| Sodium | 3168 mg | 138% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 95.0 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.9 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.1 g | ||
| Protein | 198.4 g | 397% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.1 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 1398 mg | 108% | |
| Iron | 11.4 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 1574 mg | 33% | |
*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.
