Chicken Spinach Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
678 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Chicken Spinach Pasta
Description
Chicken Spinach Pasta features boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked to a golden crust with Italian seasoning, then sliced and combined with pasta in a rich sauce. The sauce is made from sautéed garlic and dried tomatoes, thickened with a whisked mixture of gluten-free flour, milk, and Parmesan cheese. Fresh spinach is added to wilt in the sauce, which coats the pasta and chicken evenly, creating a balanced dish with creamy texture and savory depth.
The flavors in the dish come from the Italian seasoning on the chicken and the tangy sweetness of dried tomatoes enhanced by sautéed garlic. The gluten-free flour ensures the sauce thickens smoothly while accommodating dietary preferences. The pasta provides a tender yet firm base that complements the creamy sauce and tender chicken slices.
This pasta is suitable as a main course, especially when a nourishing and comforting meal is desired. Using fresh garlic and grated Parmesan improves the flavor, and spinach adds a fresh, mild green balance. The recipe allows for flexibility in protein choice and pasta type.
For best results, cook pasta to al dente without rinsing and rest cooked chicken briefly before slicing. You can substitute dairy or gluten ingredients as needed. The dish serves well freshly made and can be reheated gently.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta gluten-free or whole wheat
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless skinless
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 garlic minced, cloves
- 1.5 ounces tomatoes dried
- 2 tablespoons gluten free flour
- 2 cups milk dairy or non-dairy, of choice
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 2 cups spinach uncooked
- 2 tablespoons parsley minced, curly
Instructions
- Cook the 12 ounces pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Rub the 1 pound chicken breast with salt and pepper , and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it develops a golden-brown crust, and it's fully cooked through on the inside. A meat thermometer inserted in the center should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Set aside on a chopping to rest for a bit, then thinly slice it.
- To the same pan, add the 2-3 garlic cloves (minced), 1.5 ounces dried tomatoes, and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- In a small bowl, quickly whisk the 2 tablespoons gluten free flour, 2 cups milk of choice, and 1 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Add it to the pan together with the 2 cups spinach. Allow it to bubble for a couple of seconds to thicken up the sauce and wilt the spinach.
- Once the sauce coats the back of a spoon, stir in the cooked pasta and sliced chicken.
- Sprinkle with chopped 2 tablespoons parsley and freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately!
Notes
- Use fresh garlic cloves when available for stronger flavor; garlic powder can be a substitute in a pinch.
- Cook pasta just until al dente and avoid rinsing to keep sauce adhesion.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts but may require longer cooking time.
- Frozen spinach can replace fresh if needed, but fresh spinach offers better texture.
- For full gluten-free preparation, use gluten-free pasta and flour.
- Grate your own Parmesan cheese for freshest flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 678 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2cups | |
| Calories | 678kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 71g | 24% |
| Protein | 51g | 102% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 95mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 624mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 1091mg | 23% |
| Fiber | 10g | 40% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 2137IU | 43% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 492mg | 49% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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