Are you craving a delicious, nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor? Look no further than this incredible Healthy Chicken Spinach Pasta! Imagine a plate bursting with golden-brown chicken, tender whole wheat pasta, and vibrant green spinach, all coming together in a quick and easy recipe that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves a satisfying meal, this Italian-inspired dish is about to become your new weeknight favorite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, pat the diced chicken breast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with no pink remaining in the center.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add the pasta directly to the skillet with the chicken.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and toss everything together. The residual heat will gently wilt the spinach. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For extra flavor, you can add a drizzle of olive oil or red pepper flakes if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
- Use freshly ground black pepper and high-quality olive oil for maximum flavor.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente texture by following package instructions precisely.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce.
- Add spinach last and let the residual heat gently wilt it to preserve nutrients and prevent overcooking.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for the most intense flavor and best texture.
- For extra zest, consider adding red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
