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Lemon Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 4 reviews

This Lemon Spinach Chicken Pasta is a vibrant and creamy one-pan dish combining tender rotisserie chicken, fresh baby spinach, and zesty lemon in a luscious cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delightful meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, balancing freshness with comforting richness.

Ingredients

Pasta and Protein

  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta
  • 2 cups shredded cooked or rotisserie chicken

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • Juice and zest of 1/2 medium lemon (about 1 tablespoon juice)
  • 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables

  • 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once melted and hot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the Italian seasoning, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Allow the mixture to bubble gently for about 1 minute to meld the flavors.
  4. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine thoroughly with the other ingredients in the skillet.
  5. Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce and continue cooking until the sauce bubbles gently and begins to thicken.
  6. Incorporate Chicken and Cheese: Add the shredded chicken and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes until heated through and the cheese melts.
  7. Add Spinach and Season: Mix in the baby spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat all the noodles evenly with the creamy lemon chicken sauce.
  9. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and great flavor.
  • Adjust lemon juice to taste depending on how tangy you prefer your pasta.
  • If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen it.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • Add black pepper freshly ground for the best flavor.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/lemon-spinach-chicken-pasta-recipe/