Ingredients
– 1 pound chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips
– 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a mix of basil, oregano, sage, rosemary, thyme, or marjoram)
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 8 oz linguine or other pasta
– 1 small onion diced (about ½ cup)
– 3 garlic cloves finely chopped (about 3 tablespoons)
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– ¼ cup white wine
– 1½ cups chicken broth
– 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
– ½ cup heavy cream
– 2 teaspoons lemon juice (adjust to taste)
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
– 6 oz baby spinach (coarsely chopped)
– Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
1-First, gather all ingredients and prepare by dicing the chicken, washing the spinach, and mincing the garlic, then bring salted water to a boil for the pasta. This sets the stage and keeps things moving quickly.
2-Second, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent it from getting too soft later.
3-Third, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet and add minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute, to build that essential garlic flavor.
4-Fourth, add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook until warmed through and slightly golden, around 3-4 minutes, ensuring it’s seasoned well for depth.
5-Fifth, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2 minutes, which adds a nutritious boost without overwhelming the dish.
6-Sixth, pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently, letting the mixture thicken for about 5 minutes to create that creamy base.
7-Seventh, add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s melted and incorporated for a savory finish.
8-Eighth, toss the cooked pasta into the sauce mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated for the best texture.
9-Finally, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve immediately, perhaps with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs. For variations, you can modify by substituting ingredients for dietary preferences during these steps, like using tofu instead of chicken.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍽️ Use 8 oz pasta to keep the sauce creamy and well-coated.
🌿 Fresh or thawed frozen baby spinach works well.
🍗 Choose chicken tenders for quick cooking or adjust times for breast strips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
