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Pasta with Chicken and Spinach

Name: Pasta with Chicken and Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Pasta with Chicken and Spinach
Ingredients: 300g dried pasta; 400g chicken breast; 200g fresh spinach; 2 garlic cloves; 150ml double cream; 50g grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pinch salt and pepper

Pasta with Chicken and Spinach is a simple and filling meal for any day of the week. It combines tender meat with fresh greens in a light creamy sauce. You can prepare everything in less than half an hour. This dish works well for both a quick lunch or a family dinner.

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Benefits of making pasta with chicken and spinach

This Pasta with Chicken and Spinach is a great way to get more greens into your diet. The ingredients are easy to find in any local supermarket. It requires very little preparation and uses only basic kitchen equipment. Most families enjoy the mild and creamy flavours that appeal to both children and adults.

A step-by-step guide to pasta with chicken and spinach

Step 1

Boil pasta: Fill a large saucepan with water and add a little salt. Bring the water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to the packet instructions until it is soft but still has a bite. Drain the water but save a small cup of the liquid for later.

Step 2

Cook chicken: Cut the meat into small bite sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the meat and fry until it is golden brown and cooked all the way through. Season the meat with salt and pepper as it cooks.

Step 3

Add greens: Peel and crush the garlic cloves then add them to the pan with the meat. Add the fresh spinach leaves and stir gently until they start to wilt and turn dark green. This only takes a minute or two. The spinach will shrink down significantly during this stage.

Step 4

Finish sauce: Pour the double cream and grated parmesan into the pan. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked pasta and a splash of the saved water to help the sauce coat everything. Serve the meal immediately while it is hot.

Important tips for pasta with chicken and spinach

Use a short pasta shape like penne or fusilli to catch the creamy sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more pasta water to thin it out. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavour of the Pasta with Chicken and Spinach. Make sure to wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any grit before adding it to the pan.

If you prefer a bit of spice, add a few dried chilli flakes with the garlic. You can also swap the double cream for a lighter cream alternative if you want a lower calorie version. Always ensure the chicken is browned well to get the most flavour into the dish.

You may also like chocolate fondant, pot-roast chicken or greek meatloaf.

Ingredients

servings

Adjust quantity

300 g dried pasta
400 g chicken breast
200 g fresh spinach
2 garlic cloves
150 ml double cream
50 g grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pinch salt and pepper

Cooking time

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving

Energy:2573 kJ / 615 kcal
Fat:28 g
- of which saturates:15 g
Carbohydrates:56 g
- of which sugars:4 g
Protein:36 g
Fibre:3 g
Salt:450 mg

You can store any leftover Pasta with Chicken and Spinach in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat it, add a tiny splash of water or milk to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out.

Can I use frozen spinach for Pasta with Chicken and Spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach if you do not have fresh leaves. Make sure to defrost it first and squeeze out all the excess water so the Pasta with Chicken and Spinach does not become watery or thin.

How long does it take to make Pasta with Chicken and Spinach?

Pasta with Chicken and Spinach usually takes about 15 minutes to make. The time can vary slightly with the quantity and method. Check the texture towards the end.