Chicken and Spinach Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Chicken and Spinach Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and al dente pasta in a creamy, savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, offering a great balance of protein, greens, and carbs. The creamy sauce coats the pasta beautifully, while the chicken provides lean protein and the spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you’re craving something satisfying and delicious.

The combination of chicken, spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and comforting dish, while the spinach adds a healthy twist that enhances the flavor profile. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your preferences, with options to swap in different types of pasta, add more vegetables, or even make it lighter by adjusting the sauce.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, Chicken and Spinach Pasta will become a go-to favorite. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and nutritious—all in one dish.

Why You’ll Love Chicken and Spinach Pasta

• Creamy and Comforting: The rich, creamy sauce envelops the pasta and chicken, creating a comforting and indulgent meal that feels like a treat.
• Healthy Twist: Spinach adds a nutritious and vibrant element to the dish, providing vitamins and minerals while balancing out the richness of the creamy sauce.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and one pan, you can make this meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy night when you need something both quick and delicious.
• Versatile: Chicken and Spinach Pasta is easy to customize by adding additional ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for heat. It can also be made lighter by swapping out cream for a lighter base or adjusting the pasta to your liking.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is loved by kids and adults alike. The creamy sauce and familiar flavors of chicken and pasta make it an appealing choice for even the pickiest eaters.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-500 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and the ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-500 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sugar: 3-5g

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Spinach Pasta:

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or your preferred type)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth (or use vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra creaminess)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 9-11 minutes. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. Be sure to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, as it can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce later on.

2. Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and browned on all sides. Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Next, add the spinach to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts down and reduces in size. Stir occasionally to ensure the spinach cooks evenly. If your skillet is too small, you can cook the spinach in batches. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

Once the spinach is wilted, pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and chicken broth instead of the heavy cream. For added richness, you can also stir in a tablespoon of butter at this point.

5. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb the flavor of the sauce. Next, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and more Italian seasoning as needed. If you like a bit of spice, you can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick of heat.

6. Serve the Dish

Once everything is well combined and heated through, transfer the Chicken and Spinach Pasta to serving plates or a large serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle a little more Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, creamy dish with your family and friends!

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Spinach Pasta

• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach will wilt down beautifully and give the dish a vibrant green color. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Pasta water is starchy, which helps the sauce adhere to the pasta and gives it a silky texture.
• Use High-Quality Parmesan: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than the pre-grated kind. Freshly grated cheese will melt better and provide a richer taste.
• Customize the Veggies: While spinach is the star in this dish, you can easily add other vegetables such as sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture. Just sauté them along with the garlic and spinach.
• Make It Lighter: To reduce the calorie count, you can swap the heavy cream for a lighter alternative like half-and-half, milk, or even a bit of Greek yogurt for creaminess without all the calories.
• Add Protein Variations: While chicken is a great protein option, you can also use turkey, shrimp, or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a different twist.

Variations of Chicken and Spinach Pasta

• Chicken and Spinach Pesto Pasta: For a fresh and herby twist, add a few tablespoons of pesto to the sauce. The basil, garlic, and Parmesan in the pesto will elevate the dish and bring a bright, aromatic flavor.
• Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, slightly sweet burst of flavor. These tomatoes add depth to the dish and pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
• Chicken and Spinach Alfredo Pasta: For a richer dish, you can make a full Alfredo sauce by adding more cream and butter. This will result in a creamy, indulgent pasta that’s extra decadent.
• Chicken and Spinach Whole Wheat Pasta: To make the dish even healthier, use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients. The nutty flavor of the whole wheat pasta complements the creamy sauce nicely.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chicken and Spinach Pasta is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for leftovers. To store, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, reheat the pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.

For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove with a bit of extra chicken broth or cream.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken and Spinach Pasta

While Chicken and Spinach Pasta is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the dining experience:

• Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy loaf of garlic bread is always a great side dish with pasta. The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A light, fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette is a perfect balance to the rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots, make a nutritious and colorful side that complements the flavors of the dish.
• Steamed Asparagus: For a light and healthy side, steamed asparagus adds a refreshing crunch to the meal.

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Conclusion

Chicken and Spinach Pasta is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or special occasions. With its creamy, comforting sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach, it offers a great combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone satisfied. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it easy to prepare, and the tips, variations, and pairing suggestions ensure that you can make it your own.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal for yourself or feeding a crowd, this Chicken and Spinach Pasta will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy this creamy, savory pasta dish that is sure to impress!