Description
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that combines tender chicken breast, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce flavored with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a harmonious blend of flavors with easy preparation in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into small bite-size pieces
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Flour, for dredging
Sauce and Vegetables
- 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 Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Prepare Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess to ensure even cooking and a slight coating.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter together with olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create Sauce Base: Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors and slightly reduce.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to blend everything evenly.
- Cook Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the sauce and cook just until the spinach has wilted, which should take 1-2 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine All: Return the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the chicken and pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and spinach pasta warm for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Adding crushed red pepper flakes can introduce a nice subtle heat.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and provides superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best aroma and taste.
- Make sure not to overcook the spinach to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
