Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe

Chicken Spinach Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, nutrient-rich spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for guests, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and can be made with pantry staples.

This dish strikes a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs, making it a wholesome and delicious option for any occasion. Let’s dive into the details of creating this culinary masterpiece.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water:
   Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
2. Cook Pasta:
   Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Drain and Set Aside:
   Drain the pasta and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:
   In a bowl, combine cubed chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Spinach

1. Sauté Garlic and Spinach:
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Season Lightly:
   Season the spinach with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the cooked chicken.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Deglaze the Pan:
   Pour chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Add Cream:
   Stir in the heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Incorporate Parmesan:
   Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Add lemon zest and red pepper flakes if desired for added flavor.
4. Adjust Consistency:
   If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return Chicken and Spinach:
   Add the cooked chicken and sautéed spinach back into the skillet. Stir to coat them evenly in the sauce.
2. Toss in Pasta:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is well combined and the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
3. Taste and Adjust:
   Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Pasta:
   Divide the chicken spinach pasta among serving plates or bowls.
2. Garnish:
   Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant finish.
3. Serve Hot:
   Serve immediately with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

Perfectly Cooked Pasta:

• Always cook pasta until al dente for the best texture. It will absorb some of the sauce during tossing.

Chicken Cooking Tips:

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking the chicken to achieve a golden sear.

Customizing the Sauce:

• For a lighter version, use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a sophisticated touch.

Fresh Spinach vs. Frozen:

• Fresh spinach is recommended for its vibrant flavor and texture. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.

Variations

Protein Substitutes:

• Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.

Add Vegetables:

• Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers for additional flavors and textures.

Make It Spicy:

• Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier version of this dish.

Gluten-Free Option:

• Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Herbal Enhancements:

• Add fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for a fragrant herbal note.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and whole grains.
2. Rich and Creamy: The Parmesan sauce is indulgently creamy yet easy to make.
3. Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to fit dietary needs or preferences.
4. One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup makes this recipe perfect for busy evenings.

Serving Suggestions

• With Bread: Pair with crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls.
• Salad Side: Serve alongside a crisp Caesar or garden salad for a balanced meal.
• Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a complete dining experience.

Conclusion

Chicken Spinach Pasta is a comforting, restaurant-quality dish that you can easily recreate at home. The combination of creamy Parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and fresh spinach offers a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress.

Enjoy the process of making this dish and savor every bite!

Yield: 4

Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe

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Chicken Spinach Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, nutrient-rich spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for guests, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. It's versatile, easy to customize, and can be made with pantry staples.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
   
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
   
3. Cook the Spinach:
   Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until wilted.
   
4. Make the Sauce:
   Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
   Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
   
5. Combine the Ingredients:
   Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
   Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing until everything is well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
   
6. Serve:
   Divide the pasta among plates or bowls. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.

Notes

• Protein Swap: Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for variety.
• Make It Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk.
• Add Veggies: Include mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for extra nutrients.