Creamy Spinach Mushroom Chicken Pasta
A delicious pasta dish featuring chicken, spinach, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 300 g pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced (button or cremini)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
- for garnish fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the starchy pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Once ready, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream. Allow it to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese and stir continuously until it melts completely, creating a rich and creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the chopped spinach. Stir thoroughly until the spinach wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Ensure that everything is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
- Add Pasta: Carefully fold in the cooked pasta, tossing gently to combine all the elements. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper as needed.
- Serve: Plate the pasta generously onto individual servings. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Serve in wide bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs.