why make this recipe
Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a comforting dish that combines rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it comes together quickly and satisfies everyone at the table. The creamy sauce, paired with tender chicken and fresh spinach, creates a delightful combination that is both delicious and nutritious. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that are easy to find!
how to make Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
Ingredients :
- 1 lb Ground chicken
- ½ lb Pasta (I use small shell pasta.)
- 4 cups Baby spinach
- 200 g Cream cheese (I used fat free cream cheese)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 3 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 1 Cup onion (finely chopped)
- ½ Tablespoon smoked paprika (or as needed)
- ½ Tablespoon Herbs de Provence
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 Jalapeno, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions :
- Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Do not overcook the pasta.
- Place a skillet on medium heat, add olive oil and butter, and melt.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add ground chicken, paprika, garlic, jalapeno, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Add cream cheese and herbs de Provence to the cooked ground chicken, pour in the chicken stock, and stir until the cream cheese is completely melted.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese and cook until melted. Simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the creamy chicken mixture. Stir or toss together to combine.
- Let it simmer for about 3 minutes for the ingredients to blend well (this step is very important).
- Remove from heat and serve hot, topped with more shredded parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
how to serve Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
Serve Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta hot from the skillet. You can garnish it with additional grated parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch. This dish pairs well with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
To store any leftovers, place the Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat it, simply reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little chicken stock if it seems dry.
tips to make Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
- For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- If you prefer a bit more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeno or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey or even a plant-based option for a different twist!
variation (if any)
You can easily customize this recipe by adding in other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. If you like a different type of pasta, any short pasta shape works well. For a lighter version, you can incorporate more spinach and reduce the amount of cream cheese.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! You can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a unique flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe stores well and makes for great leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in an airtight container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
A comforting dish that combines rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground chicken
- ½ lb Pasta (small shell pasta)
- 4 cups Baby spinach
- 200 g Cream cheese (fat free)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 Cup onion, finely chopped
- ½ Tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ Tablespoon Herbs de Provence
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 Jalapeno, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Do not overcook the pasta.
- Place a skillet on medium heat, add olive oil and butter, and melt.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add ground chicken, paprika, garlic, jalapeno, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Add cream cheese and herbs de Provence to the cooked ground chicken, pour in the chicken stock, and stir until the cream cheese is completely melted.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese and cook until melted. Simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Add the baby spinach and cook until wilted.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the creamy chicken mixture. Stir or toss together to combine.
- Let it simmer for about 3 minutes for the ingredients to blend well.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, topped with more shredded parmesan cheese.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. If you prefer more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeno or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This recipe can be customized by adding other vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free option available
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
