Chicken Spinach Pasta
A comforting and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and al dente pasta for a burst of flavor and essential nutrients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 300 g pasta (your choice, whole grain for a healthier option)
- 500 g 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, pre-washed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and your pasta. Follow the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes, sautéing until the spinach wilts.
- Add the cooked pasta into the skillet. Pour in a little reserved pasta water to help create a sauce. Toss everything together for a couple of minutes until well mixed.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top, followed by red pepper flakes if you’d like some heat. Stir gently to combine. Finish with fresh basil for added flavor.
Notes
To elevate your dish, use freshly grated Parmesan, cook pasta al dente, add a splash of lemon juice for brightness, and experiment with proteins like shrimp or tempeh for variety.