Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta

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Introduction
Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with spinach in a luscious, creamy sauce. With garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of lemon, this pasta is both satisfying and flavorful. It’s an easy and quick meal perfect for a cozy dinner or a weeknight feast!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz pasta (such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
  • Water (for boiling)
  • Salt (for pasta water)

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (baby spinach works well)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
  3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add olive oil or butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

  1. Add the fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring until the spinach wilts and becomes tender, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Chicken

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  2. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring everything together.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Serve the creamy chicken spinach pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh cracked black pepper if desired.

Tips:

  • You can add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
  • If you like more spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

This Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta is indulgent and full of flavor, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

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