Description
A rich and creamy garlic tomato chicken and spinach fettuccine recipe that combines tender sautéed chicken breasts with a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese served over perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. This comforting dish is garnished with fresh basil for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to keep warm.
- Prepare Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken breasts. Cook until browned on both sides and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin releasing their juices, infusing the skillet with flavor.
- Cook Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until wilted and tender, stirring frequently to combine with the garlic and tomatoes.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken slightly to coat the vegetables beautifully.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and add them back to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken with the creamy sauce and allow everything to simmer together for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Serve: Plate the cooked fettuccine pasta and spoon the creamy garlic tomato chicken and spinach mixture over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped basil for a bright, aromatic finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- You can use fresh Parmesan cheese for better flavor than pre-grated options.
- Cherry tomatoes can be replaced with grape tomatoes or chopped Roma tomatoes.
- Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma, but dried basil can be used in a pinch (add in step 5).
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds up better with the creamy sauce.
