Creamy Spinach and Garlic Chicken Pasta

Name: Creamy Spinach and Garlic Chicken Pasta
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 people
Ingredients: 9 oz Penne Pasta; 14 oz Chicken Breast; 5 oz Fresh Spinach; 1 cup Milk; 0.5 cup Cheddar Cheese; 2 tbsp Butter; 1 small Onion; 3 cloves Garlic; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 0.5 fruit Lemon; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black Pepper

Under 30 MinsHigh ProteinDinnerComfort FoodItalian

Easy

25min

780kcal

2people

MACROS

per serving

※gProtein

◆gFat

▣gCarbs

◎gSugar

◇gFiber

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A rich and savory pasta dish featuring pan-seared chicken and wilted spinach in a garlic-cheddar cream sauce.

This Creamy Spinach and Garlic Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender chicken breast and fresh spinach in a velvety, savory sauce. Perfectly suited for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish utilizes the freshness of your spinach and the versatility of pantry staples like pasta and onions. The sauce, built on a base of garlic and butter, gets its richness from milk and melted cheddar, creating a coating that clings to every bite of pasta. Nutritionally, it’s a powerhouse; the chicken provides lean high-quality protein, while the spinach adds a significant boost of iron and vitamins A and K. The addition of lemon juice cuts through the richness, balancing the flavors beautifully. Ready in under 30 minutes, this meal is not only delicious but also helps you efficiently use your perishable ingredients before they spoil, ensuring a sustainable and satisfying kitchen experience.

Ingredients

250 g Penne Pasta
400 g Chicken Breast
150 g Fresh Spinach
240 ml Milk
60 g Cheddar Cheese
2 tbsp Butter
1 small Onion
3 cloves Garlic
1 tbsp Olive Oil
0.5 fruit Lemon
1 tsp Salt
0.5 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a splash of pasta water.
2
While the pasta cooks, season the cubed chicken breast with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3
Add the chicken breast to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5
Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated cheddar until melted and smooth.
6
Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until it wilts completely.
7
Return the cooked chicken breast and the drained penne to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat well. Squeeze the lemon juice over the top for brightness.
8
Serve immediately, garnished with extra black pepper if desired.