Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Garlic Tomato Chicken and Spinach Fettuccine that combines tender chicken breasts with sautéed garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this dish brings Italian-inspired comfort with vibrant fresh ingredients and a silky sauce served over perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce and Vegetables
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until the leaves are wilted and incorporated with the tomatoes and garlic.
- Create Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, and let it thicken slightly, usually around 3-5 minutes.
- Add Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the cooked fettuccine pasta, spoon the creamy garlic tomato chicken and spinach sauce over the top, and garnish with freshly chopped basil. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it’s less rich.
- Cherry tomatoes add sweetness; grape tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Fresh basil added just before serving enhances aroma and freshness.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
