Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Spinach Pasta

Indulge in a delightful combination of creamy textures and savory flavors with this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Spinach Pasta. This comforting dish features tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes combined in a rich, milky sauce, all enveloped around perfectly cooked penne pasta. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant weekday treat.

Ingredients

🍝 1 pound of penne pasta
🍗 2 chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
🍄 2 (8oz) trays of mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
🥬 1 (10oz) bag of spinach, washed
🍅 1/2 to 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes
🧄 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
🥛 2 cups of milk
🍗 1 cup of chicken broth
🛢️ 2 tablespoons of oil for the chicken
🧈 1/2 stick of butter
🌾 1/4 cup of flour
🧀 2 cups of parmesan cheese
🥄 1 tablespoon of chicken bouillon
🌿 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
🌶️ 1 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions

1- Cook the Pasta:

• Fill a large pot with water, heavily salt it, and bring it to a boil.
• Add the penne pasta and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2- Prepare the Chicken:

• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the cubed chicken pieces and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3- Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies:

• In the same skillet, add the half stick of butter and let it melt.
• Add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant.
• Next, add the mushrooms and sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften.

4- Make the Sauce:

• Sprinkle in the flour and mix well for about a minute to create a thick mixture.
• Add the sun-dried tomatoes and mix through.
• Gradually pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the skillet’s bottom.
• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by milk.

5- Season the Sauce:

• Stir in the chicken bouillon, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
• Add the spinach and let it wilt down, which should take about a minute.

6- Combine and Serve:

• Gradually incorporate about 1.5 to 2 cups of parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is thickened.
• Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce and mix thoroughly to coat every piece.

7- Final Touches:

• Sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese over the top if desired.
• Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Calories: Approximately 600
Proteins: 45g
Fats: 25g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Equipment: Large pot, large skillet, spatula

Cooking Tips:

• Ensure not to overcook the pasta for optimal texture.
• Customize the dish with additional herbs like thyme or basil for distinct flavors.
• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for a richer flavor profile.

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Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Spinach Pasta