Creamy Chicken Feta Pasta with Spinach

Indulge your senses in a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy feta cheese, and vibrant spinach in a pasta paradise. This Creamy Chicken Feta Pasta with Spinach is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for two or a family feast, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and comforting textures.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, approximately 7-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
3. Incorporate Heavy Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
4. Mix in Feta and Spinach: Add the crumbled feta cheese and fresh spinach to the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts and the feta melts into a creamy texture.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Add Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
2. Finish with Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a zesty kick. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
3. Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Tips

• Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. A block of feta that you crumble yourself is often creamier than pre-crumbled options.
• Pasta Choice: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as penne or fusilli, to ensure that every bite is flavorful.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Creamy Chicken Feta Pasta with a side of crusty garlic bread and a light green salad for a complete meal. A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the creamy and tangy flavors of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Pasta: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free options like brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free feta cheese alternative for a creamy yet dairy-free version.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill to enhance the dish’s aroma and flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Feta Pasta with Spinach is the epitome of comfort food, combining creamy textures with savory chicken and the freshness of spinach. It’s a dish that promotes creativity in the kitchen, encouraging you to mix and match ingredients to suit your preferences.

To elevate your cooking skills further, consider exploring articles on pasta cooking techniques and Mediterranean flavor profiles. Share your creations with friends and family, and watch them fall in love with this delightful dish!

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