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A creamy and comforting chicken pasta dish tossed in a rich, nutty Asiago cheese sauce with fresh spinach, ready in about 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz (about 225 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Asiago cheese
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta until al dente following package directions; reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. If chicken breasts are thick, pound to an even thickness.
  4. Mince garlic, roughly chop the spinach, and grate Asiago cheese.
  5. Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional).
  6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C); transfer to a plate and let rest a few minutes.
  7. Slice the rested chicken thinly.
  8. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  9. Add chopped spinach and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.
  10. Pour in chicken broth and simmer 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  11. Stir in heavy cream and simmer 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens lightly.
  12. Add grated Asiago cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth; taste and adjust salt and pepper, thinning with reserved pasta water if needed.
  13. Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to skillet, toss gently to coat, and warm through 1–2 minutes, adjusting sauce consistency with extra pasta water as desired.

Notes

Use freshly grated Asiago cheese for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-grated varieties., Allow cooked chicken to rest before slicing to retain juiciness., Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for even and faster cooking., Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce and adjust texture., Cook garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness., Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control saltiness, especially with added cheese., For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk and reduce cheese quantity., Flavor variations include adding sautéed mushrooms, crumbled crispy bacon, or stirring in basil pesto., Vegetarian version can be made by skipping chicken and adding extra vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes., Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for 2–3 days or freeze up to 2 months; reheat gently adding liquid as needed to restore creaminess.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: Approx. 600 kcal per serving
  • Fat: Approx. 28 g per serving
  • Carbohydrates: Approx. 50 g per serving
  • Protein: Approx. 40 g per serving