Craving a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet Italian restaurant with this mouthwatering Chicken Florentine Pasta! Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxuriously creamy spinach sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or a family meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds, this recipe is your ticket to culinary success.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 2 cups of pasta (penne or fettuccine), 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken slices to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and combine with the cream. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the creamy spinach sauce. Toss the pasta to coat it evenly in the sauce.
- Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Gently toss everything together to combine, ensuring the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Serve the Chicken Florentine with Pasta hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook your pasta al dente by tasting it a minute before the package instructions suggest. This prevents mushy pasta.
- Prevent Garlic Burning: Sauté garlic quickly and at medium heat to avoid bitter, burnt flavors.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting properties.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out. If too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a kick or swap spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard.
- Meal Prep Tip: This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 443kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 123mg
