Chicken and Spinach Pasta
A creamy, flavorful pasta dish combining tender chicken breast with fresh spinach and pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for a weekend dinner party.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or your choice
- 2 medium chicken breasts diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Once the chicken is cooked, add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, and bring it to a low simmer. Add the heavy cream and stir until combined.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust the thickness of the sauce with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Combine Everything: Add fresh spinach and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss until everything is well coated and the spinach has wilted.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Spinach Pasta while hot, optionally garnished with extra parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes.