🍗 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! 👩🍳
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!🌟 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! 🍳✨
#PastaRecipe #ChickenPasta #SpinachPasta #EasyDinner #ComfortFood #WeeknightMeals
