Description
Chicken Spinach Alfredo is a deliciously creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts and fresh spinach tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic and onion. Quick and easy to prepare in just 15 minutes, this meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound chicken breasts (2-3 pieces)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 4 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 onion, finely diced
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken and Vegetables: Thinly slice or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Peel and finely dice the onion, and grate the garlic. Wash the spinach thoroughly.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and sauté for several minutes until cooked through and slightly golden on the surface. Remove the chicken from the pan and shred or dice it into smaller pieces.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, add the diced onion and grated garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning, stirring for another minute to release their aromas.
- Make the Sauce Base: Add butter to the onion mixture and melt it completely. Stir in the flour to create a roux-like paste, coating the onions evenly.
- Add Cream: Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to combine it smoothly with the flour and butter paste, forming a thick, creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained pasta, shredded chicken, and fresh spinach to the creamy sauce in the pan. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Finish the Dish: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the mixture and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir gently to melt the cheese and blend the flavors. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared in under 15 minutes, making it a convenient option for weeknight dinners.
- Use fresh spinach for a vibrant flavor and texture—baby spinach works great as well.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Grating garlic fresh adds more flavor compared to minced garlic.
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
