Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and easy dinner that won't keep you slaving away in the kitchen all evening? Then look no further! This creamy chicken spinach feta pasta is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, brimming with nutritious ingredients, and ready in under 30 minutes. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meal game! This recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking at its finest.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (optional, for extra spinach)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a healthier option
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
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Sauté Chicken and Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Flavor the Sauce: Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, add it now.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, heavy cream (or coconut cream), oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
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Stir in Cheese and Pasta: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese until melted and creamy. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This delicious dish is a great example of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Substitute sun-dried tomatoes for the regular diced tomatoes for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a more substantial meal.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or goat cheese, instead of feta.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add 1 cup of cooked chickpeas or white beans.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This creamy chicken spinach feta pasta is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are both quick and easy to make. It's a fantastic recipe to add to your collection of best recipes, perfect for a satisfying and healthy weeknight dinner. Enjoy!