When you need a quick dinner that’s both satisfying and delicious, this Creamy Spinach Chicken Pasta is a perfect choice. With tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a luscious cream sauce, it brings comfort and flavor to your table in no time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Steps
- Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat and add extra-virgin olive oil. Once the oil is warm, incorporate minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, ensuring it becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Introduce fresh spinach leaves to the skillet, along with a pinch of salt. Stir and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and become tender.
- Take the skillet off the heat and drizzle the spinach with fresh lemon juice. Finally, season with freshly ground black pepper to taste, and serve.
Ingredients
- Fresh spinach: approximately 1 pound
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Fresh lemon juice: to taste
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
FAQ
- What ingredients are needed for sautéed spinach?
- To make sautéed spinach, you will need fresh spinach (baby or mature), extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, fresh lemon juice, and salt and pepper for seasoning.
- How do you properly cook sautéed spinach?
- Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until it releases its fragrance, about 30 seconds. Add the spinach and salt, stirring until the spinach wilts, which should take 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- What are some serving suggestions for sautéed spinach?
- Sautéed spinach makes a great side dish or can enhance other meals. Pair it with pasta, such as Alfredo or mac and cheese, soups like chili or black bean soup, or proteins like sesame tofu. It can also be added to omelettes, scrambled eggs, frittatas, polenta, pasta dishes, pizza, breakfast tacos, grilled cheese sandwiches, or grain bowls.
- Can I use mature spinach instead of baby spinach?
- Yes, mature spinach can be used for this recipe. Just ensure any thick or tough stems are removed before cooking.
- What other vegetables can I try sautéing?
- If you enjoyed sautéing spinach, you might like to try quick sautéed kale, sautéed mushrooms, lemon sautéed green beans, sautéed broccoli, or herb sautéed yellow squash as other veggie options.
Tips
- Use baby spinach for a tender result, but if using mature spinach, remove any thick stems to ensure a more enjoyable texture.
- When cooking the garlic, be careful not to brown it; simply sauté until it becomes fragrant to avoid any bitter flavors.
- After cooking, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright and refreshing note to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor.
- For best results, serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the spinach at its most tender and flavorful state.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – If you don’t already have a good quality skillet, you might consider purchasing one to ensure even cooking.
- Garlic Press – For efficiently mincing garlic, if not done by hand.
- Lemon Squeezer – For extracting juice from lemons easily and efficiently.
