High Protein Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this High Protein Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta, a wholesome and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends. Featuring tender chunks of seasoned chicken breast, nutrient-rich baby spinach, and al dente whole grain pasta, this recipe is packed with protein and fiber to keep you energized. A luxuriously creamy sauce, made from low-sodium chicken broth, heavy cream, and melted Parmesan cheese, ties everything together, delivering rich, savory comfort in every bite. Enhanced with fragrant garlic and a hint of optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, this dish is ready in just 40 minutes and makes four generous servings. Whether you're feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this creamy chicken pasta is the perfect go-to for delicious, feel-good eating.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 12 ounces whole grain pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole grain pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes and season lightly with half of the salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring it back to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, along with the spinach leaves. Stir until the spinach is wilted.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Season the sauce with the remaining salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve the creamy chicken and spinach pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2596 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 152.1 g | 195% | |
| Saturated Fat | 73.6 g | 368% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 706 mg | 235% | |
| Sodium | 4768 mg | 207% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 98.1 g | 36% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.8 g | 64% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 197.2 g | 394% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1101 mg | 85% | |
| Iron | 13.6 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 2404 mg | 51% | |
*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.
