Description
Chicken Spinach Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and a velvety Parmesan-infused Alfredo sauce. This easy-to-make recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that balances protein and greens with indulgent flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound chicken breasts (2-3 pieces)
- 2 cups spinach
- 4 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 onion, peeled and finely diced
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Fill a pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Ingredients: Thinly slice or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Peel and finely dice the onion, grate the garlic, and wash the spinach thoroughly.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for several minutes until fully cooked and lightly golden on the surface. Remove the chicken from the pan and shred or dice into smaller pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and grated garlic to the same pan. Cook for several minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning, cooking for one more minute to release their flavors.
- Create Roux and Sauce: Add butter to the pan and melt it. Stir in the flour, cooking briefly to form a paste around the onions. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to create a thick, creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and washed spinach to the creamy sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Finish and Season: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld, then serve warm.
Notes
- Chicken spinach alfredo is a creamy pasta dish that can be made in under 15 minutes, ideal for a quick and hearty weeknight dinner.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash more heavy cream if the sauce thickens too much.
- Spinach can be substituted with other leafy greens like kale or arugula based on preference.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance for a milder or spicier dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 655 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 543 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
