# Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach: A Hearty Indulgence
If you’re a fan of rich, filling pastas, this creamy chicken pasta with spinach is set to transform your dining experience, or at the very least, provide a fantastic dinner. This recipe merges the cozy aspects of a classic chicken pot pie with the pleasing consistency of pasta, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
## The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
As passionate skiers, a satisfying meal is crucial after a long day on the slopes. This creamy chicken and spinach pasta has become a favorite due to its quick preparation and immense satisfaction. The recipe is designed for advance prep, allowing for an easy dinner after a day on the slopes or any hectic day.
## Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta: Ingredients
To craft this delectable dish, you will require the following ingredients:
– **Chicken**: Skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs are preferred for their flavor and cost-effectiveness. Alternatively, boneless, skinless thighs or ground chicken may be utilized.
– **Butter**: Employed for sautéing aromatics and creating a roux that thickens the sauce.
– **Aromatics**: A combination of onions, garlic, and carrots contributes sweetness and complexity of flavor.
– **Flour**: Necessary for creating the roux that thickens the sauce.
– **Chicken stock and milk**: Chicken stock boosts flavor, while milk contributes creaminess.
– **Cheese**: Shredded white cheeses such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or Gouda are ideal.
– **Pasta**: Short, spoon-friendly pasta shapes like mezze penne, ziti, or fusilli are perfect for holding the sauce.
## How to Prepare Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
### Step-by-Step Directions
1. **Prep**: Chop the onion and carrots, mince the garlic, slice the spinach, and shred the cheese. Cut the chicken into pieces.
2. **Sauté**: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and carrots, cooking until tender. Incorporate the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned.
3. **Stir**: After the chicken is lightly cooked, add more butter and sprinkle in the flour, stirring to coat the chicken and vegetables.
4. **Add Liquid**: Gradually whisk in the chicken stock and milk, mixing thoroughly. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken.
5. **Cook Pasta**: In another pot, boil salted water and cook the pasta until 3 minutes before al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
6. **Finish Sauce**: Stir the shredded cheese and spinach into the sauce, mixing until the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted. Adjust seasoning as desired.
7. **Combine**: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, adding reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
8. **Serve**: Enjoy your creamy chicken pasta while it’s hot!
## Selecting the Right Pasta Shape
For this recipe, short pasta shapes are favored as they beautifully hold the creamy sauce. Mezze shapes, such as mezze maniche or mezze rigatoni, are particularly desirable, but other short forms such as fusilli or cavatappi also work effectively.
## What to Accompany Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
This dish stands alone as a complete meal, but if you wish to enhance your dining experience, consider pairing it with a simple kale salad and homemade focaccia for an added touch of sophistication.
## Conclusion
This creamy chicken pasta with spinach isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting journey that combines the finest elements of traditional chicken pot pie with the delightful texture of pasta. Ideal for any evening of the week, this recipe is certain to become a fixture in your dinner repertoire. Enjoy!