Creamy Lemon Chicken and Spinach Pasta
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever had one of those days? You know, when you just crave something comforting? Honestly, Chicken Spinach Pasta is my go-to. It's like a warm hug in a bowl.
The Scoop on This Amazing Pasta
This isn't just any pasta dish. It’s inspired by Italian nonna's cooking. It’s a Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta dream. This recipe is about medium difficulty.
It takes around 45 minutes to make. You’ll get about 4 servings, perfect for family dinner.
Why You'll Love This Dish
One of the best things? It sneaks in those greens. It's a great way to get your vitamins while eating something delicious.
It's perfect for a Weeknight Pasta Recipes or even a slightly fancy dinner party. Honestly, this Easy Chicken Pasta Dinner is one of my favourites.
You know, the secret's in the sauce.
Time to check the fridge and see what ingredients are available.
Gathering the Goods for Chicken Spinach Pasta
Let's talk ingredients. This Italian Chicken Pasta Dish is all about fresh flavours. You’ll need chicken, spinach, pasta, obvs.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Chicken Spinach Pasta Ever!
Ready to make some creamy lemon chicken pasta ? This easy chicken pasta dinner is about to become your new favourite.
Trust me, this weeknight pasta recipe is a total game changer. This recipe turns simple ingredients into gourmet chicken spinach pasta.
Main Ingredients
Let's get down to brass tacks, shall we?
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 1 lb (450g) , cut into 1 inch pieces. Fresh is best, look for a nice pink color.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Yellow onion: 1 medium , finely chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Cremini mushrooms: 8 oz (225g) , sliced.
- Dried Italian seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) .
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) . (Optional, but I highly recommend it for a kick!)
- Dry white wine: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are aces.
- Chicken broth: 1 cup (240ml) .
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240ml) . Don't skimp here, it's what makes it creamy .
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Plus extra for serving, obvs .
- Lemon: Zest and juice of 1 .
- Fresh spinach: 10 oz (280g) , washed and roughly chopped.
- Pasta: 1 lb (450g) . Fettuccine, linguine, or penne all work wonders.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
Did you know that chicken spinach pasta is one of the most searched pasta recipes online? It’s a total winner!
Seasoning Notes
Italian seasoning , lemon zest and juice are ESSENTIAL. Red pepper flakes gives the recipe the perfect balance, but this is optional. Don’t forget the grated Parmesan cheese for serving.
Feel free to use a dash of garlic powder for a deeper flavor. If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth works in a pinch.
The aroma of the lemon and garlic makes the kitchen smell incredible while you're cooking!
Equipment Needed
Nothing too fancy here.
- A large skillet or Dutch oven. This is where the magic happens.
- A large pot for cooking the pasta.
- A colander for draining the pasta.
- A lemon zester.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A cutting board.
- A chef's knife.
If you don't have a zester, use a vegetable peeler and then finely chop the zest. A large frying pan can sub for a skillet, no dramas! This dish is all about comfort food.
The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a truly satisfying meal.
This Italian chicken pasta dish feels like a restaurant style chicken pasta , but it's incredibly easy to make. So get your gear ready, and let's do this! You'll have a quick chicken and spinach pasta on the table in no time.
Get ready for a comfort food pasta recipe that will become a staple in your house.
Cooking Method for Creamy Lemon Chicken and Spinach Pasta
Okay, so you want to make chicken spinach pasta ? Let's do it! It's easier than you think. Honestly, it is going to be the Easy Chicken Pasta Dinner you've been searching for.
Prep Steps: The Mise en Place Magic
First things first, mise en place is key. This fancy French term just means "everything in its place". Chop your onion, mince your garlic, slice those mushrooms, and cube the chicken.
Having all your ingredients ready to go will make the cooking process so much smoother. It's like having a well organised desk before you start a big project.
step-by-step: Chicken Spinach Pasta Perfection
Here's the super easy breakdown:
- Cook your pasta according to the box. Don't forget to save some pasta water!
- Sauté onion until soft. Add garlic until fragrant.
- Cook the mushrooms. Get them nice and browned.
- Season and cook the chicken until it reaches 165° F/ 74° C . Set aside.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine. Scrape up those yummy bits.
- Add broth and cream. Let it thicken.
- Stir in parmesan and lemon zest and juice. Season it up.
- Add the spinach until it wilts. Toss in the pasta and chicken.
Pro Tips: Restaurant Style Chicken Pasta
Don't overcook the chicken! Seriously, it's the biggest mistake. I use a meat thermometer to make sure it's cooked to 165° F/ 74° C .
Save that pasta water too. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta like a dream. You know? Using fresh lemon makes a huge difference, honestly.
If you want to make it Gourmet Chicken Spinach Pasta , splurge on the good stuff! This Italian Chicken Pasta Dish is easy to make a few hours ahead of time; just add a splash of cream when reheating.
Recipe Notes
So, you're ready to make some creamy lemon chicken pasta ? Ace! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things I've learned making this dish.
This isn't just a chicken spinach pasta recipe ; it's about making something amazing .
Serving Suggestions
Want to make this Italian chicken pasta dish extra special? Honestly, the presentation is half the battle. Plating is important.
A swirl of pasta, chicken nestled on top, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley? Chef's kiss! Some crusty bread is perfect for mopping up that sauce.
A simple green salad is also fantastic, but if you wanna kick things up a notch, some roasted asparagus would be posh! Grab a bottle of Pinot Grigio, it pairs beautifully, trust me!
Storage Tips
Leftovers? Lucky you! This easy chicken pasta dinner is just as good the next day. Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container.
It’ll last for 3 days . When you're ready to reheat, a quick zap in the microwave works, or gently warm it on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Freezing isn't ideal because the cream sauce can get a bit weird, but if you must, portion it out and freeze for up to a month .
Variations
Feeling adventurous? Let's tweak this gourmet chicken spinach pasta ! For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream, adds a subtle sweetness.
Or for my veggie buddies, skip the chicken, toss in some sun-dried tomatoes, and you have a delightful vegetarian meal.
For a seasonal twist , add roasted butternut squash in the autumn. Honestly, get creative and have fun with it! Chicken spinach pasta is super versatile .
Nutrition Basics
Let's get real about what we're eating. The chicken spinach pasta is packed with protein from the chicken. You also get vitamins from the spinach.
The lemon adds some zing and vitamin C! Obviously, it's not a salad, but it's a comfort food pasta recipe that offers a satisfying and balanced meal.
This restaurant style chicken pasta is also high in carbohydrates which fuels the body.
Right, that's all for my notes. Now you know everything! Making quick chicken and spinach pasta is an exercise in skill.
Don't overthink it; just get in the kitchen and have a laugh. And remember to always taste and adjust the seasoning.
You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken spinach pasta ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep some components in advance. Cook the chicken and pasta separately and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken, cook the sauce, and combine everything with the pasta.
Just be aware the pasta might soak up more sauce as it sits, so have some extra chicken broth handy to loosen it up!
How do I prevent my chicken from drying out in this chicken spinach pasta recipe?
Nobody wants a dry bird! The key is to avoid overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Also, searing the chicken before adding it to the sauce helps to lock in the juices and keep it moist, like a well done Sunday roast.
Removing the chicken from the pan and adding it back at the end also prevents it from overcooking.
What are some good substitutions for spinach in this creamy lemon chicken spinach pasta recipe?
If you're not a fan of spinach or just don't have any on hand, kale or Swiss chard make excellent alternatives. Both have a similar texture when wilted and are packed with nutrients. Just remember that kale might need a bit longer to cook than spinach.
Can I make this chicken spinach pasta dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with full fat coconut milk or a plant based cream alternative like oat or cashew cream. You can also use nutritional yeast to get a cheesy flavor in place of the parmesan cheese. Just taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
How long does leftover chicken spinach pasta last in the fridge?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and will generally last for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. It's a good way to pack a tasty lunch for work, even better than a soggy sandwich!
Is it possible to add more vegetables to this chicken spinach pasta dish?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative and load it up with your favorites. Sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, peas, bell peppers, or zucchini would all be delicious additions. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked to your liking, and you'll have a vegetable medley that even Jamie Oliver would be proud of!
Creamy Lemon Chicken And Spinach Pasta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 5g |