🍗 Chicken and Spinach Pasta 🍝

January 28, 2025

🍗 Chicken and Spinach Pasta 🍝: A Quick, Creamy, and Healthy Dinner Recipe

Craving a comforting, restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes? This Chicken and Spinach Pasta is your answer! 🕒 Creamy, flavorful, and packed with protein and veggies, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s easy to customize and even easier to devour. Let’s get cooking! 👩‍🍳

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes! ⏱️
Healthy & Balanced: Packed with lean protein and leafy greens.
Creamy & Dreamy: A luscious sauce without being overly heavy.
Versatile: Swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious pasta:

8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or fettuccine work great) 🍝
1 lb (450g) chicken breast, thinly sliced or cubed
2 cups fresh spinach leaves 🥬
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half 🥛
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for a kick) 🌶️
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish 🌿

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

3️⃣ Cook the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

4️⃣ Add Spinach and Cream

Toss in the spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes).
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

5️⃣ Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet.
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and toss until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

6️⃣ Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

7️⃣ Enjoy!

Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, dreamy pasta! 🍴✨

💡 Tips for the Perfect Pasta

Pasta Water: Don’t skip reserving pasta water! It helps create a silky sauce.
Cream Substitute: Use Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter option.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers for more flavor. 🍅
Spice It Up: Add extra red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat. 🌶️

🍽️ Why This Recipe Works

This Chicken and Spinach Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist. The tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and creamy sauce come together in perfect harmony, while the Parmesan adds a salty, cheesy finish. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make.

📦 Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.

🍴 Pairing Suggestions

Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. 🥖🥗
Pair with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon. 🍷🍋
Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

🎉 Ready to Cook?

This Chicken and Spinach Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below! 👇

Happy cooking! 🍳✨

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