Go Back
To make Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Spinach, you will need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 8 ounces fettuccine pasta - 1 cup spinach, fresh - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional) - Fresh parsley for garnish You can swap some ingredients to suit your taste or needs: - Chicken: Use turkey or shrimp for a different protein. - Pasta: Swap fettuccine for penne or gluten-free pasta. - Cream: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter sauce. - Cheese: Try using Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor. - Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach for added texture. To enhance your dish, consider these quality tips: - Chicken: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor. - Olive Oil: Use a good extra virgin olive oil for richer taste. - Garlic: Fresh garlic adds more flavor than pre-minced options. - Cream: Select heavy cream with a high fat content for a thicker sauce. - Parmesan: Grate your own cheese for a fresher taste compared to pre-grated. These tips and substitutions can help you create a dish that suits your taste and dietary needs while maintaining the essence of this creamy delight! Start by gathering your chicken. You need two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Dice them into bite-sized pieces. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about five to seven minutes, stirring often. This ensures even cooking and browning. The chicken should be cooked through and no longer pink. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add four minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about thirty seconds. You want to release its fragrant flavor but avoid burning it. After the garlic is fragrant, pour in one cup of chicken broth and one cup of heavy cream. Give it a good stir to combine the liquids. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. It should start bubbling lightly, which means it’s ready for the next step. Now, add eight ounces of fettuccine pasta directly into the pot. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the creamy liquid. Cover the pot and cook for about ten to twelve minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente, soaking up the flavors from the broth and cream. Once cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will make your sauce rich and creamy. Add the cooked chicken back in along with one cup of fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything mixes well. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. To make the sauce creamy, use heavy cream. It gives the dish a rich flavor. Add the cheese slowly while stirring. This helps melt it well. The nutmeg adds warmth and depth. If you prefer, try cream cheese for a different texture. Always cook the chicken until browned. This adds great flavor to the dish. Sauté garlic until fragrant, but don’t let it burn. Adding pasta directly to the sauce is key. This helps the pasta absorb all the yummy flavors. Remember to stir often to prevent sticking. Serve this dish in shallow bowls. Top with more Parmesan cheese for a nice touch. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and flavor. You can also add extra spinach on top for a vibrant look. This makes your meal not only tasty but eye-catching, too! {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta in this dish. Try penne or rigatoni for fun shapes. Gluten-free pasta works too! Just follow the cooking time on the package. You want it al dente to mix well with the creamy sauce. If you're not into chicken, shrimp is a tasty choice. Just cook shrimp until pink. Tofu is a great option for a plant-based meal. Use firm tofu, diced, and sauté until golden. Both options keep the meal hearty and satisfying. Add herbs for extra flavor. Fresh basil or thyme brighten the dish. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat if you like spice. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet twist. These small changes make your Alfredo unique and delicious. You can store your Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Spinach in the fridge. Let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. To enjoy it later, simply reheat it. Make sure to check for any off smells before eating. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Cool the dish completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can stay fresh for up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Heat it over low heat, stirring often. If using the microwave, cover it loosely to avoid splatter. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures even heating and keeps the sauce smooth. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Cook the chicken and pasta as directed. After that, store the dish in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry. This dish tastes great even after a day or two! If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. Coconut milk is a great dairy-free choice. For a thicker sauce, blend silken tofu with milk. Both options keep the flavor rich while cutting some fat. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Look for brands that offer fettuccine made from rice or corn. The rest of the ingredients are gluten-free, so you can enjoy this meal without worry. Just check labels to ensure all items meet your needs. To sum up, we explored key ingredients for your dish and their substitutes. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions for chicken and fettuccine. You also learned tips for a rich sauce and serving it well. We discussed various pasta and protein options to keep things exciting. Plus, I provided storage tips for later enjoyment. This recipe offers flexibility and flavor, making it easy to impress everyone. Enjoy your cooking!

Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Spinach One Pot

Discover the creamy goodness of Chicken Alfredo with Spinach that will elevate your dinner game! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and rich Parmesan cheese for a deliciously satisfying dish. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this meal in just 35 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this delightful feast!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

8 ounces fettuccine pasta

1 cup spinach, fresh

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

    In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.

        Add the fettuccine pasta directly into the pot, making sure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed much of the broth and cream.

          Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

            Add the cooked chicken back into the pot along with the fresh spinach and nutmeg. Stir until the spinach is wilted and everything is well combined. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

              Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls, topped with more grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.