Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave something super comforting, but, like, elevated ? This spinach artichoke chicken pasta recipe is the answer. It's a dreamy, creamy spinach artichoke pasta recipe that'll blow your mind.

Honestly, the blend of flavors is just divine.

Brief Overview

This isn't some newfangled creation. It's inspired by the classic spinach artichoke dip we all adore. Think of it as a culinary hug, straight from the USA.

This is an easy spinach artichoke chicken dinner that’s ready in under an hour. It’s perfect for feeding a family of 6.

Main Benefits

This dish isn’t just delicious. It packs a punch of vitamins from the spinach. It's also a weeknight chicken pasta dinner that feels a bit fancy.

What makes this chicken pasta recipe easy special? It brings the restaurant experience home.

Ready for the good stuff?

Let's Talk Ingredients

For the chicken pasta recipe easy , we start with the star: chicken. You will need one and a half pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Cut them into little cubes, about one inch. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly.

Now for the sauce that dreams are made of. We’re talking butter, garlic, flour (for thickening!), chicken broth, and a splash of heavy cream.

Don't forget the cream cheese and parmesan cheese. They add that rich, cheesy goodness to the spinach artichoke dip pasta.

Finally, the namesake ingredients. You'll need a can of artichoke hearts and a whole bag of frozen spinach. Remember to squeeze the water out of the spinach! Nobody wants a watery sauce.

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this amazing spinach artichoke chicken pasta ! Trust me; it's way easier than it sounds.

I promise this creamy spinach artichoke pasta recipe will be a hit.

Ingredients & Equipment: Gear Up for Flavor!

Okay, so you wanna make some seriously good pasta? Let’s break down what you need. Don't worry, this chicken pasta recipe easy to follow.

Main Ingredients

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed. Get good quality chicken! Trust me, you’ll taste the difference. Avoid the cheap stuff that looks like it’s been sitting around a while.
• Pasta: 1 lb (454g) of your favorite pasta shape. Penne and rotini work great.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
• Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml)
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best!
• Flour: 1/4 cup (60 ml) all-purpose.
• Chicken Broth: 3 cups (720 ml) low sodium.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240 ml) . This is key for the creaminess!
• Cream Cheese: 4 oz (113g) , softened. Seriously, make sure it's softened!
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup (100g) , shredded.
• Artichoke Hearts: 1 (14 oz/397g) can , drained and quartered.
• Spinach: 10 oz (283g) frozen, thawed, and squeezed DRY . Important!
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) (optional)
• Parsley: Fresh, chopped, for garnish. This spinach artichoke dip pasta will become a weeknight chicken pasta dinner staple, I swear.

Seasoning Notes

Okay, let's talk about flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder are your base. Don't skip them! Red pepper flakes add a nice kick if you like it spicy.

For me, it makes the garlic parmesan chicken pasta even better! A little bit of parsley at the end brightens everything up.

You can totally sub dried herbs for fresh if that's what you have. Use about half the amount.

Equipment Needed

You really don't need fancy stuff. Just a big pot for pasta, a large skillet for the chicken and sauce, a colander, a cutting board, and a knife.

Honestly, I just use my favourite nonstick pan. This is the one-pot spinach artichoke chicken pasta version, so less washing up! If you don't have a colander, you can use a bowl and a slotted spoon.

Improvising is part of the fun! Remember, you can also add more vegetables and make it chicken and vegetable pasta recipes .

It is perfect if you are looking for some good comfort food pasta recipes . And you can finish it with a gratin of cheesy chicken pasta bake .

Cooking Method: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta

Honestly, who doesn't love a good bowl of pasta? Especially when it's creamy spinach artichoke pasta recipe , and loaded with cheesy chicken pasta bake goodness.

I'm going to walk you through how to make this spinach artichoke chicken pasta like we are old pals. This is perfect for a weeknight chicken pasta dinner , or when you need some serious comfort food pasta recipes .

Prep Steps: Your Mission Briefing

Alright, soldiers, let’s get our mise en place on! First, chop that chicken into bite sized pieces. Trust me, no one wants to wrestle with a giant chunk of chicken in their pasta.

Get the garlic minced, the artichokes quartered. Time saving tip : Thaw your spinach beforehand and squeeze out every last drop of water.

Otherwise, you'll have a watery sauce. Nobody wants that.

step-by-step Process: Operation Pasta Perfection

Here's your battle plan for crafting this chicken pasta recipe easy :

1. Get that pasta cooking! Follow the package directions until al dente . Reserve some pasta water!
2. Season your cubed chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
3. Heat up some olive oil in a pan. Cook chicken until it reaches 165° F( 74° C) . Set aside.
4. Melt butter in the same pan, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. About 30 seconds!
5. Whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
6. Gradually add chicken broth, heavy cream, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and artichoke hearts. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Mix in the squeezed dry spinach and cooked chicken to the sauce.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss well. If it's too thick, add pasta water!

Pro Tips: Secrets from a Seasoned Pasta Pro

Want to take your spinach artichoke dip pasta to the next level? Here are a couple of my sneaky tricks that I learned the hard way.

Don't overcook the pasta ! Mushy pasta is a crime. Avoid this by checking the pasta box for timing instructions.

I'd add: if you want to get ahead, prepare the sauce ahead of time, and simply add the pasta and chicken when ready to serve this easy spinach artichoke chicken dinner .

I find adding some red pepper flakes for a little kick really makes this garlic parmesan chicken pasta exceptional or you can experiment with other chicken and vegetable pasta recipes for added flavor.

I am pretty sure that you will be addicted to this one-pot spinach artichoke chicken pasta , as the recipe is very straightforward and the taste is amazing.

Alright, so you're gonna nail this creamy spinach artichoke pasta recipe . Trust me, it's easier than it looks! Let's talk about a few things to keep in mind.

Recipe Notes That'll Seriously Level Up Your Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta

Serving Suggestions That'll Wow Your Mates

Think presentation! Plating your spinach artichoke chicken pasta is key. A swirl in a bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look super fancy.

Serve it with some crusty garlic bread. Honestly, who can resist garlic bread? A simple side salad cuts through the richness.

For drinks, a crisp white wine or even a chilled glass of prosecco works a charm. It will be the best weeknight chicken pasta dinner you'll ever had.

Storage Tips for Ultimate Leftover Bliss

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This chicken pasta recipe easy to store. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days .

The sauce might thicken, so add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating. Freezing is an option, but the texture might change a bit.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just make sure it's piping hot before you dig in!

Variations to Make It Your Own

Want to make it your own? Go for it! For a spinach artichoke dip pasta vibe without the chicken, just leave it out.

Add extra veggies for more flavour in this chicken and vegetable pasta recipes . If you're watching your dairy, use a lighter cream cheese or skip the heavy cream altogether.

Swapping ingredients can make it low calorie. Use whole wheat pasta for more fibers. In the summer, grilled zucchini or bell peppers are amazing additions.

I like to call my version easy spinach artichoke chicken dinner , what about you?

Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's keep it real. This garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is comfort food. Each serving has around 650 calories.

There's a good amount of protein (about 45g), some fat (35g), and carbs (50g). It also packs in vitamins from the spinach and artichokes.

Think of it as a balanced treat for the soul!

So there you have it! A few notes to make your spinach artichoke chicken pasta experience even better. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.

I promise, you'll be hooked on this one-pot spinach artichoke chicken pasta in no time. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this spinach artichoke chicken pasta ahead of time? It would be a lifesaver on a busy weeknight!

Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach artichoke chicken pasta sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, cook your pasta, reheat the sauce, and toss them together.

Just be aware that the pasta might absorb some of the sauce if stored together, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water when reheating.

Is there a good way to prevent my spinach artichoke chicken pasta sauce from being too watery? No one likes a soggy bottom!

Great question! The key is in the spinach and roux. First, make sure you squeeze as much excess water as possible from the thawed spinach channel your inner "Great British Baking Show" contestant and really wring it out!

Also, ensure you cook the flour and butter roux properly for a full minute before adding the liquids; this helps it thicken the sauce effectively. Finally, add the pasta water incrementally until desired consistency is achieved!

I'm trying to cut back on calories. Are there any substitutions I can make to lighten up this spinach artichoke chicken pasta recipe?

Definitely! You can swap the heavy cream for half and-half or even a combination of milk and a little cornstarch for thickening. Using part skim mozzarella cheese and reducing the amount of Parmesan also helps.

Consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to bulk up the dish without adding extra calories. Grilled chicken would also bring down the overal calories!

What's the best way to store leftover spinach artichoke chicken pasta, and how long will it last in the fridge?

Store any leftover spinach artichoke chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will generally keep for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk, broth, or water to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Microwaving or gently heating on the stovetop works well.

Can I use different types of pasta for this spinach artichoke chicken pasta? I'm not a huge fan of penne.

Absolutely! While penne, rotini, and farfalle are excellent choices because their ridges hold the sauce well, you can definitely experiment with other pasta shapes. Bowtie pasta (farfalle), rotini, or even medium shells work beautifully with this creamy spinach artichoke chicken pasta dish.

Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the sauce.

I am vegetarian, but i like this recipe. Can i replace the chicken in the spinach artichoke chicken pasta?

Of course! Tofu, chickpeas, or plant based chicken alternatives can be used in place of the real thing. Tofu will take on the flavoring of the sauce so it is important to properly marinate it. Make sure that if you use plant based alternatives that they have similar consistencies or textures.