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In the culinary world, few dishes provide the same level of comfort as creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta. This delightful recipe elegantly marries the tenderness of chicken with the freshness of spinach, all enveloped in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce. Imagine twirling strands of perfectly cooked penne or fettuccine around your fork, savoring the amalgamation of flavors that dance on your palate. Whether you are aiming to impress guests at a dinner party or simply wish to indulge in a cozy night at home, this dish strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and gourmet sophistication.

Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Discover the ultimate comfort food with creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta! This delightful dish combines tender chicken and fresh spinach in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, it balances simplicity with gourmet appeal. Learn about essential ingredients like pasta, chicken, fresh garlic, and spinach, plus step-by-step instructions to create a delicious, satisfying meal that brings a taste of Italy to your kitchen. Enjoy every bite!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) penne or fettuccine pasta

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous amount of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta, ensuring to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use. Set the pasta aside temporarily.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and place it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breast. Season it generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and completely cooked through. Afterward, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

      Make the Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, ensuring it doesn't burn and becomes fragrant. Next, pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

        Add Cream and Spinach: Once simmering, lower the heat to a gentle low setting. Carefully stir in the heavy cream along with the chopped spinach. Allow the spinach to cook down and wilt, stirring occasionally for about 2 minutes.

          Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well combined and the cheese is melted into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.

            Toss with Pasta: Gently add the cooked pasta into the skillet, using tongs or a spatula to toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy garlic sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

              Serve: Plate the creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta on individual serving dishes. For a fresh finish, garnish each plate with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and an extra dash of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Dig in and enjoy your delicious meal!

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