Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Spinach

Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with rich flavors and creamy textures. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and spinach creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish can be made in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Rich Flavor: The blend of garlic and Parmesan creates a deliciously creamy sauce that elevates the chicken and pasta.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it on its own or with a side salad for a complete meal that fits any occasion.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its comforting flavors, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties.
• Nutritious Spinach: Adding baby spinach not only boosts the flavor but also adds essential nutrients to your meal.

Tools and Preparation

To create this Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the preparation easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: This tool allows you to cook the chicken evenly while providing enough space to mix in the sauce and pasta.
• Pot for boiling pasta: A good-sized pot ensures that the pasta cooks evenly without sticking together.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: These utensils are perfect for stirring without damaging your cookware.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision in measuring ingredients leads to consistent results every time you make this recipe.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder

For the Pasta

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water, as needed

For Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of generously salted water. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a large skillet, heat olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
1. Add chicken pieces to the skillet.
2. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
3. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
1. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic.
2. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Toss in baby spinach and cook until just wilted.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour in heavy cream and stir in cream cheese until smooth and melted.
1. Add grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until thickened.
2. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.

Step 5: Final Assembly

Add cooked rigatoni pasta and sautéed chicken back into the sauce.
1. Stir until everything is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
2. Plate your dish, sprinkle with fresh parsley, add extra Parmesan if desired, and serve hot!

Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Spinach

Serving Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach offers a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: Combine arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes topped with a light vinaigrette for freshness.
• Caesar Salad: A classic choice, adding crunchy croutons and parmesan for a savory touch.

Add Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Toasted slices of garlic bread are perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
• Baguette Slices: Serve warmed baguette slices on the side for a comforting addition.

Garnish Creatively

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle additional parsley or basil over the top for added color and flavor.
• Lemon Wedges: Provide lemon wedges to squeeze over the dish for a zesty kick.

How to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Spinach

To achieve the best results with your Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance the flavors and presentation of your meal.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and spinach; they provide better flavor and nutrition.
• Monitor Cooking Times: Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it tender and juicy; it should take about 6–7 minutes.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding reserved pasta water gradually, ensuring it coats everything well.
• Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like provolone or asiago for added depth in flavor.
• Sauté Garlic Carefully: Cook garlic just until fragrant; burning it can result in bitterness in your sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Spinach

Complementing your Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Spinach can elevate your meal even further. Here are some excellent side dish options to consider.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious crunch and bright color to your plate.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini pairs beautifully with the creamy chicken.
3. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs offers a light yet satisfying base for this rich dish.
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comfort-food vibe that complements the chicken well.
5. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and tomatoes provides a healthy contrast to the richness of the main dish.
6. Grilled Asparagus: Seasoned asparagus spears add elegance and a slight char, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Spinach, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Using too much salt: Over-salting can overpower the dish. Use just enough to enhance the flavors without overwhelming them.

• Not cooking pasta properly: Undercooked or overcooked pasta can ruin the texture of your dish. Always follow package instructions for al dente results.

• Skipping the reserved pasta water: This water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency. Make sure to save it before draining your pasta.

• Overcooking chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook until golden and fully cooked, but no longer than necessary.

• Ignoring fresh ingredients: Using fresh garlic and spinach enhances flavor significantly. Avoid dried alternatives for the best taste.

• Neglecting garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan adds a beautiful touch and elevates the dish visually. Don’t skip this step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• • Containers: Use airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Freezing Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Spinach

• • Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months.
• • Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

Reheating Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Spinach

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power, stirring occasionally until warmed.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Spinach that you may have.

Can I use other types of pasta for Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Spinach?

Yes! While rigatoni works well, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fettuccine.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Spinach?

You can use coconut cream or cashew cream as lighter dairy-free alternatives if desired.

How do I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Spinach spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking the chicken or sautéing the garlic for an extra kick!

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini alongside the spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Chicken With Spinach is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any dinner occasion. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the cheese blend. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its creamy goodness!