Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transform your dinner into an extraordinary experience! Our Garlic and Spinach Alfredo Chicken Pasta is not just another recipe – it's a creamy, luxurious dish that promises to become your new comfort food obsession. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked fettuccine coated in a rich, velvety sauce, punctuated with tender chicken and vibrant spinach, all infused with the irresistible aroma of roasted garlic. This restaurant-quality meal is about to prove that gourmet dining can happen right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups spinach, fresh
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of fettuccine pasta, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 2 cooked chicken breasts (sliced), 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter if desired, and once hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- After the garlic is fragrant, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the cream to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the fettuccine is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce.
- Gently toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and continue to toss everything together until the spinach wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Finally, add the sliced cooked chicken to the pasta and sauce, tossing gently to combine and heat through for an additional minute.
- Serve the Garlic and Spinach Alfredo Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips
- For the most flavorful chicken, consider seasoning and grilling or pan-searing your chicken breasts before slicing, which adds depth to the overall dish.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged – the flavor and melting quality are significantly superior.
- Watch your garlic carefully while sautéing; burned garlic can turn bitter and ruin the sauce's delicate flavor profile.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining – its starchy consistency helps create a smoother, more cohesive sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh basil when serving.
- Ensure your spinach is fresh and thoroughly washed before adding to the pasta to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 140mg
