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- 8 ounces of pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended) - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta in 30 Minutes

Discover the joy of cooking with this creamy chicken and spinach pasta recipe, perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a rich creamy sauce, this dish is both indulgent and nutritious. Easy to customize, it fits seamlessly into weekly meals or impresses at gatherings. Follow simple steps to create a balanced and satisfying meal that combines comfort with delightful flavors. Enjoy the experience of making and sharing this delicious dish with loved ones.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

3 cloves garlic, minced

5 oz (140g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced chicken breasts in a single layer. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.

      Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it). Next, add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts down.

        Make it Creamy: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and whisk in the Dijon mustard. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, letting the cream thicken slightly. If you find the sauce too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring until you reach your desired creamy consistency.

          Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for an extra kick, if desired.

            Serve: Portion the creamy chicken and spinach pasta into serving bowls. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra dusting of grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Serve immediately for the best experience.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4-6.

                Enjoy your delightful and creamy pasta dish!