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The foundation of any delicious pasta dish lies in the aromatics, and for our Garlic Delight: Creamy Chicken & Spinach Pasta, garlic is the star. Start by heating a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add in the minced garlic. The key to perfectly sautéed garlic lies in controlling the heat; you want it to become fragrant and golden without burning. This usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes.

Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Discover the joy of cooking with this delightful recipe for Garlic Delight: Creamy Chicken & Spinach Pasta. This simple yet flavorful dish combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich creamy sauce enveloping perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this recipe is a celebration of taste and nutrition. Enjoy the health benefits of garlic and spinach, while delighting your taste buds with every creamy bite. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting meal at home.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (226 g) fettuccine or your choice of pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, sliced into strips

Salt and black pepper, to taste

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

1 cup (about 100 g) fresh spinach, packed

½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken with salt and black pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

        Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir constantly to combine, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

          Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until wilted. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing everything together until well coated with the sauce.

            Combine with Pasta: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, mixing until all ingredients are evenly combined. Add lemon juice for a touch of brightness and season with more salt and pepper if needed.

              Serve: Plate the creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta in bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley on top.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings