Description
A creamy and comforting Chicken Spinach Pasta that combines tender cooked chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This Italian-American dish is quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta such as penne or fettuccine
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked chicken, sliced or shredded
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Heat the chicken: Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to heat through evenly.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, incorporating it fully into the sauce.
- Toss pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it well to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- Finish with cheese: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Serve warm: Plate the pasta and serve immediately while warm and delicious.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient protein option.
- Substitute half and half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
