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Chicken Spinach Cream Pasta

A comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious cream sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 560
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pieces Chicken breast Substitute with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • 4 cups Fresh spinach Frozen spinach can work in a pinch, just thaw it first.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh is best but jarred minced garlic is convenient too.
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Use half-and-half for a lighter alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Substitute with pecorino or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Coconut oil or butter are great substitutes.
  • 8 ounces Pasta Use any shape and cook al dente.
  • to taste Salt Essential for enhancing flavors.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for enhancing flavors.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta and Chicken
  1. Start by boiling your pasta according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season your chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not burnt.
  2. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook gently until it wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, mixing well with the spinach and garlic. Add in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
Combining Everything
  1. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta, mixing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you get your desired consistency.
  2. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or cheese if needed. Serve with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish can be frozen in portions for 1-2 months. Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to bring back that luscious sauce.