Description
This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Broccoli is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pasta is tossed with succulent chicken, fresh spinach, sweet cherry tomatoes, and steamed broccoli, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce that’s elevated by aromatic garlic, olive oil, and Italian herbs. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese ties it all together into one satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- Cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- Fresh spinach
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream or Alfredo sauce
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Olive oil
- Broccoli, steamed
- Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream or Alfredo sauce and stir to combine; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, and let simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat with the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
- This dish can be made ahead and gently reheated; add a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg