Ah, let me tell you about this delightful dish I’ve recently fallen in love with – Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta with Tomato & Spinach! Picture this: tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious garlic tomato cream sauce, perfectly enveloped around your favorite pasta. Add in the vibrant greens of spinach and sweet juiciness of tomatoes, and you’ve got a meal that sings comfort and indulgence in every bite. This recipe is not only easy to whip up but will also delight your family’s taste buds – all in under 30 minutes! Trust me; once you try it, this chicken pasta dish will become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– **Quick and Easy:** Just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
– **Creamy Goodness:** The savory garlic cream sauce is rich and oh-so-satisfying.
– **Nutrient-Packed:** Spinach not only adds color but also boosts the nutritional profile of the dish.
– **Customizable:** You can easily swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
For this mouthwatering Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:
– Dry pasta (any variety you prefer for this chicken recipes)
– Boneless, skinless chicken breast
– Garlic powder to enhance the flavor
– Italian seasoning for that classic touch
– Paprika for added warmth
– Salt & pepper to season
– Olive oil to get that perfect sear on your chicken
– Butter to enrich the sauce
– Fresh garlic for a fragrant punch
– Diced tomatoes that lend juiciness
– Fresh spinach to add a healthy twist
– Heavy cream to achieve that creamy sauce
– Shredded Parmesan cheese to finish it off with a cheesy goodness
**Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.**
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the steps of this wonderful recipe:
1. **Boil the Pasta:** Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s bubbling, toss in your dry pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection.
2. **Season the Chicken:** While the pasta is cooking, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
3. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat olive oil in a large heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat. For about 5 minutes on each side, cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove it from the heat and set it aside to rest.
4. **Sauté Aromatics:** In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, cooking for about a minute until you can smell that delicious fragrance wafting through your kitchen.
5. **Add Veggies:** Toss in your diced tomatoes and chopped spinach into the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and the spinach is wilted. Let that beautiful color come to life!
6. **Create the Sauce:** Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream along with the Parmesan cheese. Whisk everything together until it’s fully combined and creamy. Don’t worry if it looks a bit lumpy; it’s all part of the magic!
7. **Combine and Serve:** Drain the pasta, then slice the chicken into thin strips or cubes. Add them back into the skillet, stirring everything together until combined. Voila! Dinner is served!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
– **Chicken Perfection:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through – aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
– **Make it Your Own:** Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for an extra dose of nutrition and flavor.
– **Creaminess Level:** For an even richer sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with some cream cheese – it’s a game-changer!
– **Seasoning:** Taste as you go! Adjust seasonings according to your personal preference, adding more garlic or cheese as you see fit.
How to Serve
This creamy garlic chicken pasta is perfect on its own for a quick dinner. However, if you’re in the mood to elevate your meal, serve it with a fresh garden salad on the side and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for that extra touch. For a refreshing drink pairing, a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon will enhance this dish beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you happen to have leftovers (which I highly doubt because it’s so good!), let the pasta cool down before transferring it into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back that creamy texture. For longer storage, consider freezing the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just know that the experience won’t be quite the same, but you can always add freshly cooked spinach and tomatoes when you reheat for a freshness boost.
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta is not just a dish; it’s a delightful experience you’ll want to enjoy time and again. Give it a try and let each bite whisk you away to your happy place!
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowls
- Kitchen Knife
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 10 ounces dry pasta any kind
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
Salt & pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup tomatoes diced
- 2 cups spinach chopped, optional
- 2 cups heavy cream (or 16 oz)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese shredded or grated
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta al dente according to package instructions.
- Season chicken on both sides with salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken for 5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from skillet.
- Add butter and garlic to the skillet, cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add tomatoes and spinach, cooking until soft.
- Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain pasta, slice chicken, return to skillet, and mix everything to combine.
- Serve and enjoy!