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- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta in 30 Minutes

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition with this creamy chicken and spinach pasta delight. Tender chicken and fresh spinach are enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or special occasions. With wholesome ingredients like whole wheat pasta and spinach, this recipe provides a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it's a must-try for any dinner table!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225 g) whole wheat pasta (choose between penne or fettuccine)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

Zest of 1 lemon

Fresh lemon juice, to taste

Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for an added kick

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water; then drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the olive oil. Once heated, add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and turns a beautiful golden brown.

      Add the Garlic: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium and incorporate the minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but takes care not to burn it.

        Incorporate Spinach: Add the roughly chopped spinach into the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Stir and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted down and brightened in color.

          Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, followed by the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture well to ensure all the cheeses are melted and integrated into a creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring until you achieve your desired consistency.

            Flavor it Up: Incorporate the lemon zest into the sauce, then taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice as desired. For a bit of heat, feel free to sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes.

              Combine & Serve: Gently fold the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing it with the creamy chicken and spinach sauce until every piece is well-coated. Allow the pasta to heat through for an additional 1-2 minutes.

                Garnish & Enjoy: Serve the pasta hot, garnishing each plate with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Dive into your delicious creamy chicken and spinach pasta delight!

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4