Description
Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, Garlic Chicken Pasta with Spinach is a wholesome dish that combines tender chicken, a rich garlic sauce, and vibrant spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners, this meal strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and healthy eating.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 10.5 oz (300 g) pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cubed
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ⅓ cup (75 ml) dry white wine
- 1 cup (200 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
For the Final Touch:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cubed chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Melt butter in the same skillet.
- Add diced shallots and sauté for 1 minute until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce:
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning into the skillet and stir to combine.
- Deglaze the pan with dry white wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese:
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Return the cooked pasta to the skillet. Add spinach and toss to combine.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Finish and Serve:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Cook chicken just until done to ensure it stays juicy and tender.
- Save pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired