This delicious Chicken and Spinach Creamy Pasta recipe is loved by many as it combines juicy, tender chicken with flavorsome spinach and creamy pasta. The meal is perfect for a cozy night in or a family get-together, as it’s easy to make and enjoyed by all. The smooth and silky texture of the pasta mixed with the sautéed spinach and chicken make for a taste you won’t forget. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try this tasty and classic recipe for yourself. Follow the steps and get ready to be blown away by the flavor!
Here is why you might love this Chicken and Spinach Creamy Pasta Recipe
1. Creamy and flavorful sauce: The creamy sauce in this recipe is made with spinach, cheese, and cream, which gives it a rich and delicious flavor that complements the tender chicken and pasta.
2. Quick and easy to prepare: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a warm and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
3. Versatile and customizable: This recipe can be modified to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions, such as using gluten-free pasta or adding other vegetables like mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for more flavor and nutrition.
Chicken and Spinach Creamy Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cooked spinach
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook 8oz. pasta according to package directions.
- Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat 2 tbsp. olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped chicken to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add 3 cloves minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup cooked spinach, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the pan.
- Stir until everything is well combined and the sauce is heated through.
- Season with 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. black pepper, or to taste.
- Serve the pasta topped with the creamy chicken and spinach sauce.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
2. Cut the chicken into small chunks or strips for easier cooking and mixing into the pasta.
3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking.
4. Cook the chicken until it's golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcooking as it will make the chicken tough.
5. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
6. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packaging, and drain it before mixing it with the sauce.
7. In a separate pan, sauté the garlic and onions in butter or oil until they are fragrant and translucent.
8. Add in the spinach and cook until it's wilted but still bright green.
9. Add in the heavy cream and let it simmer until it thickens slightly.
10. Add in the cooked chicken and stir everything together.
11. Pour the mixture over the cooked pasta and toss everything until the pasta is coated with sauce.
12. Optionally, top the pasta with Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley, basil or oregano for more flavor and color.
13. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious chicken and spinach creamy pasta dish!
Nutrition
Data source: USDA
Main Ingredients Explained
| Main Ingredient | Description | Possible Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Protein source commonly used in pasta dishes. | Turkey, tofu, quorn, or no meat. |
| Spinach | Leafy green vegetable that adds nutrition and flavor to the dish. | Kale, arugula, or collard greens. |
| Cream | Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. | Sour cream, cream cheese or yogurt. |
Storage Tips
When stored in an airtight container, the pasta should last for about three to four days in the refrigerator. If you want to store it for longer, freezing is a good option. To freeze, first let the pasta cool down to room temperature before placing it in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. Alternatively, you can divide it into smaller portions for easier defrosting.
When reheating the dish, it’s important to defrost it gradually in the fridge overnight before reheating it in a pan or microwave. Reheating the pasta on high heat can cause the sauce to split and lose its creaminess.
Additionally, if you’re concerned about the texture of the pasta when being reheated, consider adding a small amount of milk or cream to keep it moist and prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.
Recipe Variations
1. Shrimp and Spinach Creamy Pasta: Swap chicken for shrimp, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
2. Mushroom and Spinach Creamy Pasta: Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic and butter until tender, then toss in spinach and cream sauce.
3. Spinach and Artichoke Creamy Pasta: Add a can of drained and chopped artichoke hearts to the pasta in the final stage of cooking.
4. Vegan Spinach Creamy Pasta: Substitute chicken with plant-based protein, such as tofu or chickpeas, and use dairy-free alternatives, such as coconut cream or cashew cream.
5. Spinach and Sun-dried Tomato Creamy Pasta: Add in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sautéed onions for a flavorful and vibrant dish.
6. Spinach and Lemon Creamy Pasta: Add lemon zest and juice into the sauce for a bright and citrusy flavor.
7. Spinach Alfredo: Replace the cream sauce with a classic Alfredo sauce and fold in the spinach during the final stage of cooking.
8. Spinach and Parmesan Creamy Pasta: Add parmesan cheese into the sauce for extra richness and umami flavor.
9. Spinach and Chicken Pesto Pasta: Use pesto sauce instead of cream sauce, and add sautéed chicken, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach into the mix.
10. Spinach and Bacon Creamy Pasta: Add crispy bacon bits into the pasta with spinach and cream sauce for a decadent and savory option.
What To Serve With
Here are some suggestions on what to serve alongside Chicken and Spinach Creamy Pasta Recipe:
1. Garlic Bread: A classic side dish that complements pasta dishes really well.
2. Salad: A light and refreshing salad filled with fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumber can offset the richness of the pasta.
3. Crispy Bruschetta: Toasted bread slices topped with chopped tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, can add a crunch to the meal.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini can bring a pop of color and nutrients to the plate.
5. Fruit Salad: A fruit salad consisting of different types of berries, grapes, apples, and oranges can provide a sweet and juicy complement to the creamy pasta.
6. Wine: A glass of red or white wine can make the meal more sophisticated and perfect for an adult dinner party.
7. Water: Serve some cold, fresh water on the side to hydrate and cleanse the palate.
We are dedicated to providing the best and most effective meal plans to help you stay on track with your goals. Our team constantly tests and experiments with different recipes and approaches to ensure our offerings are of the highest quality. We also collaborate with a network of nutrition and data experts from around the globe to bring you innovative and advanced meal plans.