Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Spinach is a mouthwatering dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce, all served over al dente rigatoni pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor. The luscious garlic and Parmesan blend ensures every bite is satisfying, making it a go-to meal for any occasion. With just one skillet required, clean-up is a breeze, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot with generously salted water.
- Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside the drained pasta.
- Season the chopped chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through (about 6–7 minutes).
- Remove cooked chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter along with minced garlic.
- Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Toss in baby spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously until combined.
- Add cubed cream cheese; mix until melted and smooth.
- Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella until thickened.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
- Add cooked rigatoni and chicken back into the skillet with sauce.
- Stir gently until every piece is coated in creamy sauce.
- Plate up the dish, garnishing with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, consider tossing in other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.