Creamy Cheddar Chicken & Spinach Pasta

Name: Creamy Cheddar Chicken & Spinach Pasta
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 people
Ingredients: 6 oz Pasta (Penne or Rotini); 9 oz Chicken Breast; 4 cups Spinach; 0.75 cup Cheddar Cheese (Grated); 0.5 cup Milk; 0.5 whole Onion; 2 cloves Garlic; 1 tbsp Butter; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 tsp Lemon (Juice)

Under 30 MinsHigh ProteinStovetopDinnerComfort Food

Easy

25min

680kcal

2people

MACROS

per serving

※gProtein

◆gFat

▣gCarbs

◎gSugar

◇gFiber

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A quick and cheesy stovetop pasta dish featuring tender chicken, wilted spinach, and a rich cheddar sauce.

This comforting stovetop pasta dish is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight, bringing together tender chunks of protein-rich chicken breast and fresh, iron-packed spinach. The sauce is a clever, flour-free creation that relies on the natural melting qualities of sharp cheddar cheese and a splash of milk to create a velvety coating for the pasta. By utilizing garlic and onion for an aromatic base, and finishing with a hint of lemon juice to cut through the richness, this meal achieves a balanced flavor profile that is both savory and bright. It effectively utilizes fresh produce like spinach and dairy items that need to be used up, transforming simple pantry staples into a cohesive, restaurant-quality dinner. Nutritionally, it offers a substantial amount of protein and calcium, making it a wholesome choice for fueling your body after a long day.

Ingredients

180 g Pasta (Penne or Rotini)
250 g Chicken Breast
100 g Spinach
80 g Cheddar Cheese (Grated)
120 ml Milk
0.5 whole Onion
2 cloves Garlic
1 tbsp Butter
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Lemon (Juice)

Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 60ml (1/4 cup) of the starchy pasta water, then drain.
2
While the pasta cooks, dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
3
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5
Pour in the milk and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes.
6
Lower the heat to low. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a little of the reserved pasta water.
7
Return the cooked chicken breast to the pan and add the spinach. Stir gently until the spinach is wilted.
8
Toss in the cooked pasta and stir to coat everything in the sauce. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

Chef's Tips

•Grate your own cheese if possible; pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
•Don't let the sauce boil once the cheese is added, or it may separate.

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Recipe By

Kitchen Buddy Chef