Description
This creamy chicken and spinach pasta dish combines tender, seasoned chicken breast with a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, fresh baby spinach, and parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting and quick meal perfect for busy weeknights, delivering rich flavors with a hint of lemon and Italian seasoning.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into small bite-size pieces
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Flour, for dredging
Sauce and Additional Ingredients
- 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 uncooked pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside for later use.
- Prepare Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste. Lightly dredge them in flour, ensuring an even coating.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the floured chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook until it is wilted and well incorporated into the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken pieces and the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and spinach pasta warm, garnished with additional parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less thick.
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or rotini.
- Make sure not to overcook the spinach for vibrant color and better texture.
- Season the dish to your taste by adjusting salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
