This creamy chicken spinach pasta recipe is a weeknight winner! It's quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for busy families or anyone craving a comforting meal. This recipe focuses on fresh ingredients and simple techniques to deliver maximum flavor. Let's get cooking!
What You'll Need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rotini work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet. Frozen spinach tends to release a lot of water, which can thin out your sauce.
What kind of pasta works best?
This recipe works well with many types of pasta. Fettuccine, penne, rotini, and farfalle are all excellent choices. Choose your favorite shape!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cook the pasta, combine everything, and heat through.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
What are some variations I can try?
Get creative! Add sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or different herbs and spices to customize the flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
This creamy chicken spinach pasta recipe is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
