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- 8 ounces of whole wheat pasta - 2 tablespoons of olive oil - 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 4 cups of fresh spinach - 1 cup of heavy cream - 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened - 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning - 1 tablespoon of lemon juice - 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta in 30 Minutes

Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta, a quick and nutritious dinner ready in under 30 minutes. This comforting dish features tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a velvety sauce, perfectly coated on whole wheat pasta. Easy to make and packed with protein and essential nutrients, it's ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal. Discover how to prepare this delightful recipe and enjoy a satisfying plate that balances taste and health!

Ingredients
  

8 oz (225 g) whole wheat pasta (penne or fettuccine)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup cream cheese, softened

Zest of 1 lemon

Fresh lemon juice, to taste

Optional: Red pepper flakes for added heat

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Turn the chicken pieces occasionally to ensure even cooking.

      Add Garlic: Once the chicken is done, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.

        Incorporate Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir and cook until the spinach is wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

          Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and add the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

            Flavor it Up: Stir in the lemon zest and season the sauce with additional salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. For an extra kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if desired.

              Combine & Serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat well with the creamy chicken and spinach sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.

                Garnish & Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your creamy chicken and spinach pasta!

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4