Craving a restaurant-quality meal that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious? Look no further than this mouthwatering Whole Grain Pasta with Chicken, Spinach, and Avocado! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a culinary masterpiece that's packed with protein, healthy fats, and vibrant flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Whole grain pasta
- Chicken breast, diced
- Fresh spinach
- Avocado, sliced
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: whole grain pasta, diced chicken breast, fresh spinach, sliced avocado, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the whole grain pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breast to the skillet.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted down.
- When the pasta is done cooking, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and spinach mixture. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to help combine the ingredients and create a light sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the sliced avocado, being careful not to mash it. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the whole grain pasta warm, garnished with additional black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!
Tips
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Always add plenty of salt to your boiling water before cooking pasta. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself from the inside out.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy cooking liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky sauce. Always save a bit before draining your pasta.
- Don't Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) without becoming dry.
- Add Avocado Last: To preserve its creamy texture, fold in sliced avocado at the very end of cooking.
- Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives to suit your dietary preferences.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the spinach and garlic, to maximize flavor.
- Let the Pasta Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a minute after cooking to let the flavors meld together perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 598kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
