Imagine you're looking to whip up a heartwarming, flavorful dinner with ingredients that you're likely to have on hand. Enter the Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta, a dish that marries simplicity with indulgence, delivering a taste experience that's rich without being overly complex.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pasta - about 250 grams
- Chicken - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Spinach - 1 to 2 cups of fresh or thawed frozen
- Garlic - 3 cloves, finely chopped
- Heavy cream - 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese - 1⁄2 cup, freshly grated
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper to taste
🍝 Note: You can substitute heavy cream with a lighter alternative like milk mixed with cornstarch for a healthier option, but the dish won’t be as creamy.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes depending on pasta thickness.
- Drain pasta, reserving about a cup of pasta water for later.
Prepare the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked through. Set aside to rest, then slice into thin strips.
🍗 Note: For a spicier twist, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken while it cooks.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed, then sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into the cream, forming a smooth sauce.
- Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken. If it’s too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water.
Combine and Finish
- Add the spinach to the sauce and stir until it wilts.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Season to taste, and serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
- Season as you go: Add salt and pepper throughout the cooking process, starting with the pasta water.
- Spinach: If using fresh spinach, it will shrink significantly when cooked, so adjust amounts accordingly. For frozen spinach, ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Pasta: Reserve pasta water as it contains starch which helps in thickening and flavoring the sauce.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded, providing a smoother sauce.
When you're looking for a dish that combines the wholesome goodness of spinach with the satisfying texture of pasta and tender chicken, this recipe delivers. The creaminess comes from the heavy cream and Parmesan, but with just enough to make the dish indulgent without feeling heavy.
So, let's dive into crafting this delightful dish that's not only quick to prepare but also serves up a homemade gourmet experience right at your dinner table.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something else?
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Yes, you can use milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch or flour as a lighter alternative to heavy cream, though the creaminess might differ.
What kind of pasta works best with this dish?
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Fettuccine or penne work wonderfully due to their shape and texture, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
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You can cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time. Prepare the sauce just before serving, and combine everything quickly to maintain the freshness and texture of the ingredients.
