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Chicken Spinach Alfredo

A creamy, satisfying dish that brings tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and rich alfredo sauce together in perfect harmony, creating a comforting meal for the family.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 680
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet, then add drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for the perfect creamy consistency.

Notes

Start boiling pasta water first, then prep ingredients while it heats for efficiency. Don't let cream boil vigorously as it can break and become grainy. Reserve pasta water before draining - it's crucial for achieving silky sauce texture. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream. Budget-friendly swaps include using frozen spinach, chicken thighs, or half-and-half mixed with cream cheese.