Garlic Chicken Pasta with Spinach
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
653 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Garlic Chicken Pasta with Spinach
Description
This recipe begins by gently cooking minced garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil to infuse flavor. Chicken breast pieces are then browned in some of this garlic oil until cooked through. Penne pasta is cooked al dente in salted water, then drained and returned to the pot. Fresh baby spinach, chopped fresh or dried basil, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan are combined into the hot pasta along with the cooked chicken and remaining garlic oil. A bit of reserved pasta water is added as needed to create a cohesive sauce.
The resulting dish has bite-sized tender chicken, al dente pasta, wilted spinach, fresh herb aroma, savory Parmesan, and a citrus brightness from lemon juice. The red pepper flakes add subtle flavor without significant heat. The olive oil and garlic form a fragrant base that ties the ingredients together in a simple but flavorful pasta meal.
It is designed for immediate serving to enjoy the freshness of ingredients and delicate balance of flavors. The recipe relies on a fresh approach with minimal heavy sauce, focusing on bright, clean tastes typical of a home-cooked garlic pasta with chicken and greens.
Ingredients
- 6 garlic minced, cloves
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes this doesn’t add spiciness – just the right amount of flavor
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 chicken breast boneless skinless, about 1 pound
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 (5-ounce) (5-ounce) bag baby spinach
- ½ cup basil chopped fresh or 1 tablespoon dried
- 6 tablespoons lemon juice from 2
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
Instructions
- Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a large pot. Meanwhile, combine garlic, pepper flakes and oil in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave until garlic is golden and fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels and cut into bite-size pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer 1 tablespoon of the garlic/red pepper oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat until oil is rippling. Add chicken and cook until well browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta to boiling water and cook until tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water. Drain pasta and return to the pot. Stir in chicken, spinach, basil, lemon juice, Parmesan, and remaining garlic mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 653 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 653kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 60g | 20% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 71mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 333mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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