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To achieve the perfect creamy sauce for your Garlic Delight: Creamy Chicken & Spinach Pasta, start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until it's fragrant, about 1 minute. Be cautious not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.

Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Discover the deliciousness of Garlic Delight: Creamy Chicken & Spinach Pasta, a savory dish that combines creamy textures with vibrant flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this easy recipe features tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich sauce that envelops your pasta of choice. With healthy ingredients and simple preparation, you’ll create a culinary masterpiece that nourishes both body and soul. Get ready to elevate your dining experiences!
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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 bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine (or pasta of your choice) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water to use later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season the sliced chicken strips generously with salt and black pepper. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken to the skillet. Sauté the strips for about 6-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate, setting it aside for later.

      Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the hot oil. Sauté the mixture for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but is not browned, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.

        Make the Cream Sauce: Carefully pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to incorporate it with the garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely, resulting in a rich and creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.

          Add Spinach: Introduce the fresh spinach into the sauce, stirring it in and allowing it to wilt for about 2 minutes. Once wilted, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until the chicken and spinach are well coated with the creamy sauce.

            Combine with Pasta: Add the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing gently to mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Squeeze in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors and season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if necessary.

              Serve: Distribute the creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta into individual bowls. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top of each serving and add a lemon wedge on the side for an eye-catching display. Enjoy!