Description
Creamy chicken and spinach pasta emerges as a comforting culinary masterpiece, blending tender chicken with silky spinach in a single pot. Mediterranean flavors dance through this effortless meal, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of pure kitchen magic.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté diced chicken in olive oil over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until golden brown, seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- Infuse the same pot with minced garlic, releasing aromatic flavors for approximately 60 seconds.
- Combine chicken broth, milk, and pasta in the pot, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low, allowing the pasta to gently simmer and absorb liquid for 10-12 minutes, stirring intermittently until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce. Return chicken to the pot and fold in fresh spinach, allowing the greens to delicately wilt and absorb the creamy essence.
- Taste and calibrate seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Serve immediately while the dish maintains its warm, comforting temperature.
Notes
- Boost protein by using Greek yogurt instead of milk for a tangy, protein-rich sauce that adds extra nutrition.
- Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to create a delicious vegetarian version that maintains the creamy texture and flavor profile.
- Choose whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content and add more complex carbohydrates, making the dish more filling and nutritionally balanced.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing you to customize seasoning without overwhelming the dish’s delicate flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg