Indulge in the delectable goodness of Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with Spinach, a tantalizing dish that effortlessly combines the zesty flavors of lemon, the richness of creamy sauce, and the wholesome goodness of tender chicken and spinach.
This mouthwatering pasta recipe is a perfect balance of tangy and creamy, creating a delightful culinary experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress and become a new favorite on your dining table.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of fettuccine or your preferred pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of one lemon
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 cups of fresh baby spinach leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine or pasta of your choice according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, in a large skillet. Add the diced chicken and cook until it’s lightly browned and cooked through. Take the chicken out of the skillet and place it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for approximately a minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine, allowing the sauce to simmer gently.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes.
- Toss in the fresh baby spinach and cook until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the creamy chicken and spinach mixture until everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top to enhance the flavor even further.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the creamy lemon chicken pasta with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Accompany the dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Pair it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the citrusy notes of the dish.
Conclusion
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with Spinach is a delightful combination of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors that come together to create a memorable meal. It’s a straightforward recipe that can be prepared in a relatively short time, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy the burst of freshness from the lemon and spinach, the richness of the creamy sauce, and the tenderness of the chicken in every mouthful. Bon appétit!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine works wonderfully with this recipe, feel free to use other pasta types like penne, linguine, or bowtie pasta.
Is it possible to replace the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk to make a lighter version of the sauce. However, keep in mind that the sauce might not be as rich and creamy as with heavy cream.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Of course! While spinach adds a lovely taste and texture, you can also incorporate other veggies like cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or asparagus to enhance the dish.
How do I store leftovers?
To store any remaining creamy lemon chicken pasta, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for a maximum of 2-3 days.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Assemble everything together just before serving to ensure the pasta stays al dente and the flavors remain vibrant.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
You can make a vegetarian version of this dish by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The creamy lemon pasta with spinach alone makes for a delicious vegetarian option.
Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with Spinach
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of fettuccine or your preferred pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of one lemon
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 cups of fresh baby spinach leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine or pasta of your choice according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, in a large skillet. Add the diced chicken and cook until it's lightly browned and cooked through. Take the chicken out of the skillet and place it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for approximately a minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine, allowing the sauce to simmer gently.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes.
- Toss in the fresh baby spinach and cook until the spinach wilts and becomes tender.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the creamy chicken and spinach mixture until everything is evenly coated.Sprinkle fresh parsley on top to enhance the flavor even further.
