Description
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich garlic cream sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that combines savory flavors and creamy textures over perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into small bite-size pieces
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Flour, for dredging
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the bite-size chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge them in flour to coat evenly.
- Cook the chicken: Heat butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the floured chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Create the sauce base: Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to combine the flavors and slightly reduce.
- Add the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook until the spinach wilts completely, which usually takes 2-3 minutes.
- Melt the cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat the chicken and pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and spinach pasta warm immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a healthier twist, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
- To add more flavor, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving.
- Make sure not to overcook the spinach; it should just wilt to retain its bright green color and nutrients.
- This dish can be prepared up to step 8 in advance; add the chicken and pasta just before serving.
