Description
Indulge in a comforting and creamy chicken and spinach pasta dish that’s loaded with flavor and wholesome ingredients. This recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and nutritious broccoli in a luscious cream sauce that’s perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta of choice such as penne or fettuccine
Broccoli:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Add broccoli for the last 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken and cook in olive oil until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then add broth and cream. Stir in cream cheese and Parmesan until smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Add spinach and toss until wilted. Adjust consistency with pasta water. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can swap cream cheese for Boursin or mascarpone for extra richness.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well in this dish.
