Chicken and Spinach Alfredo has always been my go-to comfort food in times of stress. There’s something extraordinarily calming about the creamy, delicate taste of Alfredo sauce that makes you feel wrapped in a blanket of warmth and happiness. And when you add tender chicken pieces and nutrient-rich spinach to the mix? It’s like enjoying the culinary equivalent of a well-loved book: truly comforting and always a joy to revisit. Is there anything more fulfilling?
But, I must admit, the thought of preparing Chicken and Spinach Alfredo from scratch used to intimidate me. It seemed as complex as solving a Rubik’s cube. However, after gaining some culinary courage and experimenting a bit, I found that it’s quite a straightforward dish to prepare. I am excited to share this discovery with you!
A Twist on the Classic
The classic Alfredo sauce is a rich, creamy blend of butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. But in this recipe, I’ve added a healthy twist with the inclusion of spinach. Not only does the spinach add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor, but it also sneaks in a hefty dose of vitamins. So, you can indulge without feeling guilty!
Next, the chicken. Chicken provides a protein-packed addition to the dish, making it a complete meal. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but feel free to substitute with thighs if you prefer.
The Love for Alfredo Sauce
Did you know that the Alfredo sauce we’ve come to know and love was first developed in Rome in the early 20th century? Alfredo di Lelio, the creator, initially made the sauce to appease his pregnant wife’s fussy palate. And aren’t we all glad he did?
While the original version only contained butter and Parmesan, American adaptations have added cream to the mix. The result is a velvety, luxurious sauce that elevates any dish it graces.
Preparing the Dish
One of the things I love about this Chicken and Spinach Alfredo recipe is how quickly it comes together. With some multitasking, you can have a restaurant-worthy dish on the table in under an hour. Isn’t that impressive?
First, you sear the chicken, then sauté the spinach, and finally, prepare the Alfredo sauce. Combine everything, and voila! Dinner is served.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups of fresh spinach
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear in a pan until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the spinach until wilted. Remove and set aside.
- Melt the butter in the pan, add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add to the sauce, followed by the spinach. Stir until everything is well-coated.
- Serve hot, preferably with some crusty bread on the side. Enjoy!
Ready in Less Than an Hour
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 550 per serving
- Fat: 40g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 10g