15-Minute Chicken Spinach Pasta

About 15-Minute Chicken Spinach Pasta

This 15-Minute Chicken Spinach Pasta is a go-to recipe that combines speed, simplicity, and healthiness without compromising on taste. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is perfect when you need a quick and tasty meal. Whether you're coming home after a long day or looking for something easy to whip up for dinner, this dish is an excellent choice. You can make it in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you're short on time. Despite its quick preparation, it doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition.

The ingredients are simple yet wholesome, ensuring that you get a balanced meal. Chicken breast provides a lean source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Spinach adds a vibrant green color and is packed with vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. It's a great way to include more vegetables in your diet.

Pasta, especially rigatoni, offers a comforting and filling base. Rigatoni’s tubular shape allows it to hold onto the creamy spinach sauce, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor. Olive oil adds healthy fats and a smooth texture, while garlic infuses the dish with a fragrant and savory aroma. Parmesan cheese adds a rich, umami flavor that ties everything together beautifully.

This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. For instance, you could use whole wheat pasta for added fiber or substitute the chicken with tofu or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.

15-Minute Chicken Spinach Pasta Ingredients

▪️ 500g (1.1 lbs) chicken breast
▪️ salt
▪️ 600g (1.3 lbs) baby spinach
▪️ 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil
▪️ 4 cloves garlic
▪️ 500g (1.1 lbs) packet of rigatoni
▪️ 100g (3.5 oz) Parmesan cheese

How to make 15-Minute Chicken Spinach Pasta

Step 1: Place a large pot of water on to boil with a big pinch of salt.

Step 2: While the pasta water is coming to a boil, slice your chicken breasts.

Step 3: Once the water is boiling, add the baby spinach and cook for 45 seconds, then plunge it straight into ice-cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 4: Replace the water used for blanching the spinach with fresh water, season with salt again, and place a lid on it to bring it to a boil faster.

Step 5: Place a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. While that is heating, finely grate the cloves of garlic.

Step 6: Add the rigatoni to the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes, checking for doneness after 8 minutes.

Step 7: Add the chicken to the sauté pan, season with salt, and fry for 6-7 minutes until cooked through.

Step 8: While the chicken is sautéing, place the cooked spinach, 80g (2.8 oz) of Parmesan, and half of the grated garlic in a blender. Blend until a smooth purée.

Step 9: Add the remaining grated garlic to the chicken in the pan and mix through.

Step 10: Add the spinach sauce to the chicken and stir well. Check the seasoning and adjust with salt if needed.

Step 11: Drain the pasta and stir it through the spinach and chicken sauce.

Step 12: Serve, grating the remaining Parmesan over the top as a garnish.

Fun Facts about 15-Minute Chicken Spinach Pasta

▪️ 15-Minute Chicken Spinach Pasta is a perfect meal for busy weeknights, offering a quick and nutritious option.
▪️ Spinach is rich in iron and calcium, making this dish both healthy and delicious.
▪️ The rigatoni pasta holds the creamy spinach sauce well, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.