Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta

There’s nothing quite like a creamy pasta dish to bring comfort and delight to the dinner table. This Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta recipe is a perfect blend of tender chicken, flavorful artichokes, and nutritious spinach, all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce. It’s a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this delicious dish.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb chicken breasts (1 or 2 large chicken breasts)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 ½ cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded (or Monterey Jack cheese)
• 14 oz artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 8 oz spinach (frozen, thawed completely, and drained)
• ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make them thinner.
   • Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium-high until hot but not smoking.
   • Sauté the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until nicely browned.
   • Remove from heat, cover, and let rest until cooked through.
   • Once rested, cut the chicken into bite-size pieces.
3. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
   • Cook the penne pasta until al dente, then drain.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the heavy cream and bring to a boil.
   • Add the shredded cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
   • Reduce heat to medium-low and gradually add milk while stirring, until a creamy consistency is reached.
5. Combine Ingredients:
   • Add the cooked pasta, chopped artichoke hearts, and drained spinach to the sauce.
   • Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
   • Top the mixture with the sliced chicken.

Serving and Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Calories: 650 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

Conclusion

This Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta is a delightful and hearty dish that combines rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. The tender chicken, creamy sauce, and nutritious spinach make it a perfect meal for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home!