Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta Perfection
Recipe Introduction: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta Perfection
Fancy a bit of comfort food? Ever wondered if you could turn your favorite appetizer into a full blown meal? Let's talk about spinach artichoke chicken pasta .
It's like a warm hug on a plate, seriously.
Your New Go-To Chicken Pasta Recipe
This creamy chicken pasta recipe is inspired by the classic spinach and artichoke dip. It's basically comfort food heaven! You'll be using chicken and artichokes in a creamy and cheesy sauce.
Perfect for a cozy night in, innit?
Quick Overview of this Comfort Food Pasta Recipes
This spinach artichoke chicken pasta dish isn't some ancient Italian secret. It's American Italian comfort food at its finest. This recipe is easy peasy.
It will take about 45 minutes from start to finish. This recipe will serve about four hungry people.
The Benefits of This Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
One of the best things? Spinach adds a boost of vitamins. This one-pot chicken pasta is perfect for a weeknight meal.
It's also special because it combines the flavors of a beloved appetizer. Honestly, it's a crowd pleaser.
Ready to get started? Here's what you'll need...
Ingredients & Equipment For Stellar Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta
Right, so you're itching to make some Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta ? Brilliant choice! Let's get down to brass tacks about what you'll actually need.
We're talking simple, no-fuss stuff, nothing too cheffy, promise.
Main Ingredients Breakdown
For the main act, you'll need: 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Get decent quality chicken. You know, the kind that doesn't look like it's been sitting around for ages.
It makes a difference, trust me.
Then, the creamy dream team: 1 lb (454g) pasta (penne, farfalle, or rotini are my go-to). Don't overcook it; al dente is the word.
2 tbsp (30ml) of butter because butter makes everything better, doesn't it? And 4 oz (115g) of cream cheese, softened.
You'll want 2 cups (475ml) of chicken broth and 1 cup (240ml) of heavy cream. Finally, 1 (14 oz/397g) can of artichoke hearts, drained, plus 10 oz (283g) of frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry.
That spinach is key , squeeze out all the water. No one wants a soggy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta !
Seasoning Notes That Will Upgrade Your Game
Garlic, mate, garlic. Essential. We're talking 2 cloves , minced. Also, don't forget 1 tsp (5ml) of garlic powder and 1/2 tsp (2.
5ml) of onion powder for the chicken. Then it's 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) each of salt and pepper. If you are feeling feisty and want to feel a bit more alive, a dash of red pepper flakes never hurt anyone.
Feeling adventurous? Try a pinch of nutmeg in the sauce. Seriously, it elevates the whole thing! If you're missing an ingredient, just use dried herbs instead of fresh if you don't have any.
Equipment Needed For This Chicken and Artichoke Dish
Honestly, not much faff needed here. A large pot for your pasta and a large skillet or Dutch oven for everything else.
A colander for draining the pasta. Oh, and your usual measuring cups and spoons.
If you haven't got a Dutch oven, just use a big frying pan. It'll do the job. No need to go buying fancy kit for this Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta .
This creamy chicken pasta recipe is just that simple.
Cooking Method
Prep Steps
Right then, let's get prepped for this spinach artichoke chicken pasta , shall we? First things first: get your mise en place sorted.
Chop your chicken into bite sized bits. Dice your garlic. Squeeze the living daylights out of that thawed spinach seriously, get all the water out.
Drain and quarter those artichoke hearts too.
Time saving tip? Honestly, pre-chopped chicken from the supermarket is a lifesaver. And thawing spinach in the microwave? Shhh, don't tell anyone I told you that. Just keep an eye on it.
step-by-step Process
Alright, here we go. This is where the magic happens!
- Cook your pasta in salted boiling water. You want it al dente , that's key!
- Season your chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simple, but effective.
- Sauté the chicken in olive oil over medium high heat . Cook until it hits 165° F ( 74° C) . Take it out and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Chuck in the minced garlic and sauté until you can smell it, about 30 seconds.
- Whisk in flour and cook for a minute, then slowly pour in chicken broth. Stir until it's smooth and simmering. Now you're getting somewhere!
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir in artichoke hearts and squeezed spinach into the cream sauce.
Pro Tips
Okay, listen up, these are game changers!
Firstly, Don't overcook the pasta! Nobody likes mushy pasta.
Secondly, add a dash of pasta water into the sauce if it is too thick, it will help it combine better.
Finally, This creamy chicken pasta recipe is amazing fresh, but you can totally make the sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and add the cooked pasta and chicken when you're ready to serve.
Easy peasy!
Now that's what I call easy chicken pasta dinner ready in no time!
Alright, let's chat about making this Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta properly brilliant. There are a few things to remember to make sure it is absolutely fantastic. It's so good!
Recipe Notes
Here are a few extra tips. These notes will make your creamy chicken pasta recipe better. It's like adding that extra pinch of salt. You know?
Serving Suggestions: Dress It Up, Buttercup!
Fancy a bit of flair? Plate up your Spinach artichoke chicken pasta bake with a sprinkle of extra parmesan. A sprig of parsley is always a win.
This is an easy way to make this comfort food pasta recipes look posh. Honestly, presentation matters.
Garlic bread is a classic side. It's perfect for soaking up all that lovely sauce. A simple salad with a zingy dressing is great too. A crisp white wine? Yes, please!
Storage Tips: No Waste Here, Mate!
Got leftovers? Pop them in the fridge in an airtight container. They'll be good for about 3-4 days. Make sure to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing is an option. I have frozen this easy chicken pasta dinner before, It worked! Put it in a freezer safe container.
It'll last for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the hob. A splash of milk will help if it seems dry.
Variations: Tweak It 'Til You Make It!
Watching the waistline? Use light cream cheese. Try half and-half instead of heavy cream. You will still get the creamy texture.
Want to make it veggie? Ditch the chicken. Add some sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms. This makes a delicious alternative.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl!
This chicken pasta with creamy sauce is packed with protein from the chicken. The spinach and artichokes add vitamins and fiber. Don't forget the calcium from the cheese!
It is also a one-pot chicken pasta so you don't have to wash lots of things. Each serving is around 650 calories. This is just an estimate though.
This chicken and artichoke dish is perfect for a weeknight pasta recipes . Have fun creating your italian chicken pasta dishes !.
Remember, cooking should be fun. Now, go and make some magic in the kitchen!. You will make this spinach artichoke chicken pasta with love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this spinach artichoke chicken pasta ahead of time?
You sure can, mate! It's best to cook the pasta al dente and store it separately from the sauce to prevent it from getting too soggy. The sauce itself can be made a day or two in advance. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, add the pasta and chicken, and you're golden!
Is there a vegetarian version of this spinach artichoke chicken pasta?
Absolutely! Ditch the chicken altogether and load up on veggies. Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers would be absolutely smashing in there. You could even add some white beans for extra protein. It'll be a veggie feast that even meat eaters will enjoy!
What's the best way to store leftover spinach artichoke chicken pasta?
Store any leftover spinach artichoke chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3-4 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce back up, as it tends to thicken as it sits.
A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle simmer on the hob will do the trick!
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen in this spinach artichoke chicken pasta recipe?
You can indeed! If you're using fresh spinach, you'll need about 10 ounces. Just give it a good wash and roughly chop it before adding it to the sauce. Fresh spinach will wilt down quite a bit, so don't be alarmed by the initial volume.
Remember, squeezing the moisture out of any spinach is crucial for a thick creamy sauce.
I'm watching my waistline, are there any lighter substitutions I can make for this creamy spinach artichoke chicken pasta?
No worries, we can lighten things up! Swap out the heavy cream for half and-half or even a lighter cream cheese. Using whole wheat or chickpea pasta adds a bit of fibre too. You can also load up on the spinach and artichokes and cut back on the amount of pasta used without sacrificing the flavour!
Each of these choices results in fewer calories and less fat.
My spinach artichoke chicken pasta sauce is too thick, what can I do?
Easy peasy! Simply add a splash of chicken broth or even some of the pasta water to thin it out to your liking. Start with a small amount, about a tablespoon at a time, and stir it in until you reach the desired consistency. You want it to coat the pasta nicely, not cling to it like glue!
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta Perfectio
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 0g |
