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Here’s what you need to make Chicken Spinach Pasta. Gather these items before you start cooking: - 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - ¼ cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients combine to create a dish that is creamy, tasty, and full of flavor. The chicken provides protein, while the spinach adds a fresh touch. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese make the sauce rich and smooth. Before you cook, make sure you have everything ready to go. This will help you move quickly through the steps. Enjoy the process of making this delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bring salted water to a boil. - Cook pasta until al dente. - Drain and reserve pasta water. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your fettuccine or spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for that perfect al dente texture, which means the pasta should be firm when bitten. Once it’s done, drain the pasta, but don’t forget to save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water. This will help adjust your sauce later. - Heat olive oil in skillet. - Season and cook diced chicken. - Transfer cooked chicken to a plate. Next, grab a large skillet and heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add in your diced chicken breast. Season it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. - Add minced garlic and sauté. - Incorporate chopped spinach until wilted. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for around 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Then, toss in the chopped spinach. Cook the spinach until it wilts, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This adds a fresh, vibrant flavor to your dish. - Reduce heat and add chicken broth and heavy cream. - Gradually mix in grated Parmesan cheese. Now, it’s time to make the creamy sauce! Lower the heat and pour in a quarter cup of chicken broth and one cup of heavy cream. Stir well to mix everything together. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. - Toss cooked chicken in sauce. - Add cooked pasta and mix well. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce to coat it well. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit of that reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Finally, add the cooked pasta and mix everything together until it’s well combined. - Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. - Garnish and serve hot. Give your dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For a lovely finish, garnish your Chicken Spinach Pasta with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve it hot and enjoy this tasty and creamy delight! - Cook your pasta until al dente. This gives you a firm bite. - Save some pasta water. It helps make your sauce creamy and smooth. - Use salt and pepper to boost the taste of your dish. - Add garlic powder or Italian herbs for extra flavor. Fresh basil also works great. - If your sauce is too thin, cook it a bit longer. This helps it thicken. - For a thick sauce, add more cream or cheese slowly. Mix well to keep it creamy. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Use fettuccine or spaghetti for a perfect balance with the creamy sauce, but feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shape! Season Your Chicken: Don't skimp on seasoning the chicken; it enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Use a blend of herbs for extra depth! Fresh Spinach Matters: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and adds a vibrant color. Avoid frozen spinach as it can make the sauce watery. Perfect Cream Sauce: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese to avoid clumping and achieve a silky-smooth sauce. Adjust the thickness with reserved pasta water as needed. {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the protein, consider these options: - Tofu: Use firm tofu for a great vegetarian choice. - Shrimp: Cook shrimp for a seafood twist. - Turkey: Ground turkey works well too. For vegetarian options, you can use mushrooms or chickpeas. They add great flavor and texture. Adjust the seasonings to match your chosen protein for the best taste. You can add fun flavors to your sauce. Here are some tasty ideas: - Pesto: Stir in pesto for a fresh taste. - Sun-dried tomatoes: These add a sweet and tangy kick. - Nut milk: Replace cream with almond or coconut milk for a lighter sauce. Adjust the creaminess by using less or more dairy. You can also mix in some Greek yogurt for added richness. Not all pasta is the same. Try different types to suit your needs: - Whole wheat: This adds fiber and a nutty flavor. - Gluten-free: Options like rice or chickpea pasta work well. - Vegetable-based: Zucchini noodles are a fun, low-carb choice. Using whole grain pasta gives you more nutrients. Vegetable pasta adds color and extra flavor to your dish. To keep your Chicken Spinach Pasta fresh, follow these steps: - Allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature. - Place it in airtight containers. - Store in the fridge for up to three days. Glass or plastic containers work well for storage. To reheat without drying out, use these methods: - Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. - Add a splash of chicken broth or cream. - Stir often until warmed through. This helps keep the dish creamy and tasty. If you want to freeze Chicken Spinach Pasta, do this: - Pack it in airtight containers or freezer bags. - Remove as much air as possible. - It can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the skillet method mentioned above. You can prepare Chicken Spinach Pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately in the fridge. Make the sauce and add it just before serving. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it and drain excess water before adding it to the dish. Frozen spinach saves time and is just as nutritious as fresh. You can serve this dish with a side salad or garlic bread. A light white wine pairs well too. You might also enjoy some roasted vegetables for added flavor. To make it dairy-free, use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Homemade Chicken Spinach Pasta lasts about three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for the best freshness. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. In this blog post, we explored how to make Chicken Spinach Pasta. We covered the key ingredients you need and provided simple, step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for perfecting the pasta and enhancing the flavor. We also discussed variations and how to store leftovers. With these insights, you can confidently create this meal. Enjoy making it your own, and don't hesitate to experiment for a personal twist. Happy cooking!

Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with chicken and spinach, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low and pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine, then gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until evenly coated.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese.
Keyword chicken, creamy, pasta, spinach