Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Introduction

Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach is a rich and creamy dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a savory Asiago cheese sauce. This dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion, as it balances the richness of the cheese with the freshness of spinach and the hearty texture of pasta. The creamy sauce is bursting with flavor, making each bite a satisfying experience. Whether you’re a pasta lover, a fan of Italian cuisine, or someone looking for a flavorful chicken dish, Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

The combination of Asiago cheese, garlic, and chicken creates a perfectly balanced dish, while the spinach adds a healthy, vibrant element that complements the creamy sauce. This recipe is both easy to prepare and impressive enough to serve guests, making it a great choice for both casual meals and more formal dinner parties. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this mouthwatering dish, along with helpful tips for making it just right and ideas for variations to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach

• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The Asiago cheese creates a velvety smooth sauce that envelops the chicken and pasta, delivering a luxurious, cheesy experience in every bite.
• Packed with Protein and Vegetables: The tender chicken breast provides a good source of protein, while the fresh spinach adds a healthy boost of vitamins and minerals, making this dish a well-rounded meal.
• Quick and Easy to Make: Despite its indulgent taste, this dish is simple to prepare and can be made in just under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Perfectly Balanced: The richness of the cheese sauce is balanced by the freshness of the spinach, and the pasta absorbs all the delicious sauce, making each bite bursting with flavor.
• Versatile for Different Occasions: Whether you’re feeding a family, preparing a dinner for two, or hosting a party, Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach fits any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for both casual meals and more sophisticated gatherings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 500-550 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 500-550 kcal
• Fat: 24-28g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 4-5g

Ingredients

For the Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz (about 225g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Asiago cheese
• ½ cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

For Serving (Optional):

• Crusty bread
• Extra grated Asiago cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once the pasta is done, drain it, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.

2. Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if desired). Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown on both sides.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

3. Sauté Garlic and Spinach

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and reduces in size, about 2-3 minutes. The spinach should be tender and bright green, and it will release moisture into the pan as it cooks, adding flavor to the dish.

4. Prepare the Creamy Asiago Sauce

Once the spinach is wilted, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let the broth cook down for about 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly. Next, add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Asiago cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper, if necessary. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Asiago sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. Add the sliced chicken and toss everything together to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add more pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes to heat everything through.

6. Serve the Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach

Once everything is well combined and heated through, transfer the Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Asiago cheese, if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach

• Use Fresh Spinach: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh spinach. If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.
• Grate Your Own Asiago Cheese: Freshly grated Asiago cheese will melt more smoothly and offer a more vibrant flavor than pre-grated cheese. If you can’t find Asiago, Parmesan cheese makes an excellent substitute.
• Cook the Chicken in Batches: If you have large chicken breasts, consider cutting them into smaller pieces before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and more quickly.
• Use Pasta Water to Adjust the Sauce: The reserved pasta water is starchy, which helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta and gives it a silkier texture. Add it gradually to reach the desired consistency.
• Add Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a subtle kick.
• Make It Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute gluten-free pasta for regular pasta. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious.
• Customize the Vegetables: If you want to add more vegetables to the dish, consider adding mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for additional flavor and texture.

Variations of Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach

• Asiago Chicken Pasta with Mushrooms: For an earthy twist, sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic and spinach. The mushrooms will absorb the sauce and add an additional layer of flavor.
• Asiago Chicken Pasta with Bacon: Add crispy bacon to the dish for an extra burst of flavor. Simply cook the bacon in the skillet before preparing the chicken and crumble it over the finished dish for a delicious crunch.
• Vegetarian Asiago Pasta: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes for a satisfying vegetarian version of this dish.
• Asiago Chicken Pasta with Pesto: Add a spoonful of basil pesto to the sauce for a fresh, herbaceous twist. The pesto pairs beautifully with the creamy Asiago sauce.
• Lighter Version: For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese for a lower-fat version of this dish.

Storage and Shelf Life

Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later. To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from becoming too thick.

This dish can also be frozen, but keep in mind that the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place the cooled pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a little extra liquid if needed.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach

While Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the meal even further:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of crispy garlic bread for a perfect way to soak up any extra sauce.
• Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta and provides a fresh contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts complement the creamy pasta and add more texture to the meal.
• Grilled Shrimp: For seafood lovers, grilled shrimp can be added to the pasta for an extra layer of flavor and protein.
• Sautéed Broccoli: Sautéed broccoli or other greens like kale can add both nutrition and a slight bitterness that pairs well with the rich cheese sauce.

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Conclusion

Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach is a decadent and satisfying dish that brings together creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fresh spinach. The rich sauce is perfectly balanced, and the dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a more elegant meal for guests. With its ease of preparation and delightful flavors, this pasta dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or just indulging in a comforting meal, Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach will impress everyone at the table. With tips for perfecting the recipe, ideas for variations, and suggestions for pairing, this dish offers endless possibilities to suit your tastes. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness and savor each bite of this delicious meal!