Creamy Chicken Pasta

$- 300g fettuccine or your pasta of choice - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup spinach leaves - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves When I make creamy chicken pasta, I always gather my main ingredients first. The fettuccine provides a nice base. You can use any pasta you like, though. Diced chicken breasts add protein and flavor. Olive oil helps to cook the chicken and adds richness. Minced garlic gives that tasty aroma and depth. Next, I reach for the heavy cream. It makes the sauce rich and dreamy. I also grab chicken broth to enhance the sauce. Spinach leaves add a pop of color and nutrients. Grated Parmesan cheese brings in a savory note. Italian seasoning gives a hint of herbs. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste! Finally, fresh basil leaves are perfect for garnish. They add color and freshness to the dish. Each ingredient plays a role in making this meal delicious and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, carefully drain the pasta in a colander. Don’t forget to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Next, take a large skillet and heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. While the oil heats, season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about one minute until it smells great but be careful not to burn it. Now, pour in one cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in one cup of heavy cream and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix it well and let it simmer gently. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta to the skillet as well. Toss everything together, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water as needed. This helps to get the sauce to your preferred creaminess. Finally, fold in one cup of spinach leaves until they wilt. To finish, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens a bit. Taste your dish and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Now, plate your creamy chicken pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves and more Parmesan if you like. Enjoy! To get the perfect sauce, focus on the right thickness. Start by simmering the chicken broth until it reduces a bit. This adds flavor and helps your sauce become creamy. If you want a richer taste, add more Parmesan cheese or chicken broth as needed. Taste it along the way to find your favorite flavor balance. For even cooking, cut the chicken into uniform pieces. This way, all the pieces cook the same. You can marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking. This adds extra flavor. Just remember to let it sit for at least 30 minutes to soak in those tasty juices. To stop your pasta from sticking, stir it often while boiling. Use plenty of salted water. After cooking, always save some pasta water. This water has starch that helps thicken your sauce. Add a splash if your sauce feels too thick or dry. It makes a big difference! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh chicken and spinach to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your dish. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente; it will continue to cook a bit when mixed with the sauce, absorbing flavors. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to substitute Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can make your creamy chicken pasta even better by adding vegetables. Try mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. These veggies add flavor and color. You can also use seasonal vegetables for freshness. Fresh zucchini or asparagus can brighten your dish. If you want to change the protein, consider shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice taste. Tofu gives a vegetarian option and soaks up flavors well. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal, regardless of their diet. You can swap out the fettuccine for other pasta types. Try penne or rigatoni for fun shapes. Whole wheat pasta is a healthier choice. If you need gluten-free options, many brands make gluten-free pasta that tastes great. Experimenting with different pasta keeps the meal exciting! To store leftovers, let the creamy chicken pasta cool first. Place it in airtight containers. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Use glass or plastic containers that seal well. They protect food from air and moisture. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating creamy chicken pasta, use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, warm it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Stir often to heat evenly. If using the microwave, cover the container with a lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps maintain the sauce's smooth texture. You can freeze creamy chicken pasta for later use. Let it cool completely before freezing. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently, adding broth to restore creaminess. You can use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Both options taste great and keep the dish light. Cauliflower rice is another good choice. It adds a nice texture and flavor without the grains. Yes, you can prepare this meal in advance. Cook the chicken and pasta, then store them separately. This keeps everything fresh. When ready, combine the chicken and pasta with the sauce. Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it creamy. To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley. You can also use crushed red pepper for heat. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. Experiment with different spices like oregano or thyme for a unique twist. Yes, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version. Greek yogurt is another option, adding creaminess and tang. Just mix it in slowly to avoid curdling. You can also use a dairy-free cream for a vegan version. Searing the chicken in a skillet is best. Use medium heat and let it brown for about 6-8 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy. Always check that it's cooked through. You can marinate the chicken for added flavor before cooking. In this post, we explored how to make a delicious creamy chicken pasta. We covered essential ingredients like fettuccine, chicken, and spinach. You learned step-by-step cooking methods, from boiling pasta to perfecting the sauce. Tips helped you improve the flavors and texture. We also discussed possible variations, storage, and reheating methods. Now, you have all the tools to create this tasty dish. Enjoy cooking and impress your family or friends with your new skills!$

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with chicken and spinach.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

300 g fettuccine or your pasta of choice
2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup spinach leaves
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to reduce slightly, cooking for about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and stir until well combined. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired creaminess. Fold in the spinach until it wilts.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Plate the creamy chicken pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Adjust the seasoning to your taste and add more cheese if desired.

Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta