Imagine twirling your fork into a luxurious plate of pasta, where tender chicken, silky cream sauce, and vibrant spinach come together in a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. This Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta isn't just a meal—it's a culinary experience that proves gourmet dining can happen right in your own kitchen, with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Whether you're looking to impress your family or treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy dinner, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of penne pasta, 1 lb of diced chicken breast, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste, and 2 tbsp of olive oil.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breast to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, allowing the cream to warm up and thicken slightly, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Finally, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Creamy Chicken Florentine Pasta hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your Parmesan cheese and spinach can make a huge difference in the final taste.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Always aim for al dente texture by checking the pasta a minute before the package instructions suggest.
- Temperature control is key: When adding cream, keep the heat low to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, silky sauce.
- Save some pasta water: The starchy water can help adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Season in layers: Add salt and pepper at different stages of cooking to build depth of flavor.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic for a more complex flavor profile.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use Greek yogurt.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 145mg
