Description
Delectable creamy chicken Florentine pasta combines Italian-inspired flavors with rich, comforting ingredients. Spinach, garlic, and parmesan create a luxurious sauce that elevates this classic weeknight meal you’ll crave time and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 oz / 170 g baby spinach
- 8 oz / 227 g linguine pasta
- 1 small onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- chicken (amount not specified)
- 1½ cups / 300 g chicken broth
- ½ cup / 75 g heavy cream
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 2 tsps Dijon mustard
- 2 tsps lemon juice
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Craft a flavor-enhancing blend by mixing garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a compact bowl.
- Chicken Preparation: Meticulously dry chicken tenders and lavishly coat with the spice mixture, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Searing Technique: Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat, introducing a harmonious blend of oil and butter until butter begins to shimmer and dance.
- Chicken Cooking: Strategically place chicken tenders in a pristine single layer, searing for 4-5 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown crust.
- Protein Completion: Flip tenders, continuing cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, verifying internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
- Pasta and Sauce Foundation: Simultaneously, launch pasta into a vigorously boiling, salted water, cooking slightly less than package guidelines for perfect al dente texture; in the same skillet, sauté onions until translucent and tender.
- Aromatic Layer: Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, rapidly stirring to unleash their intense fragrance.
- Sauce Development: Dust flour across the skillet, whisking diligently to eliminate potential lumps; gradually stream chicken broth while continuously whisking to create a velvety smooth base.
- Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate mustard, lemon juice, and cream, allowing the sauce to gently bubble and transform into a luxurious consistency.
- Final Assembly: Drain pasta directly into the sauce, gently fold in fresh spinach until wilted, and integrate sliced chicken pieces.
- Plating Finale: Transfer to individual serving vessels, crowning each portion with an abundant sprinkle of shaved parmesan cheese, ready to be savored immediately.
Notes
- Chicken Doneness Check: Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 160°F for safe consumption, preventing undercooking.
- Pasta Texture Tip: Cook pasta slightly under package instructions to maintain al dente texture, as it will continue cooking in the sauce.
- Sauce Consistency Hack: Keep reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness, helping create a perfectly creamy and smooth texture.
- Flavor Boosting Technique: Toast spices and seasonings briefly in the pan to enhance their aromatic oils and deepen overall dish flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg