Description
Chicken Spinach Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish combining tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and a luscious Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This comforting meal can be prepared quickly, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner that delivers on flavor and ease.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound chicken breasts (2-3 pieces)
Pasta and Dairy
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 cups spinach
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 onion
Seasonings and Others
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Ingredients: Thinly slice or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Peel and finely dice the onion, grate the garlic cloves, and wash the spinach thoroughly.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for several minutes until they are cooked through and lightly golden on the surface. Remove the chicken, then shred or dice it into smaller pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and grated garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Make Roux and Sauce: Add butter to the onion mixture and let it melt. Stir in the flour to form a paste coating the onions. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The sauce will thicken as you combine the ingredients.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained pasta, shredded chicken, and washed spinach to the creamy sauce. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all components.
- Finish and Season: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken spinach alfredo is a creamy pasta dish made with chicken breast and spinach.
- It’s easy to make in less than 15 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred level of heat.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 655 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 543 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
