Cheesy Spinach Chicken Pasta
A delightful blend of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach, creating a meal that satisfies the soul.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces Pasta (penne or fusilli) Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Chicken
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 3 cups Fresh spinach Adds color and nutrients.
Cream Cheese
- 4 ounces Cream cheese Softened for easy blending.
Shredded Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese For gooey, cheesy goodness.
Garlic
- 2 cloves Minced garlic For flavor enhancement.
Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For cooking chicken and sautéing garlic.
Seasonings
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Adds a blend of herbs.
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring it in with the chicken and garlic. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt down.
- Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and combines with the chicken and spinach. Gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated, introduce the cooked pasta into the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
- Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the pasta warm.
Notes
For a protein boost, consider adding cooked shrimp or tofu. You can also incorporate more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.