Low Fat Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Low Fat Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta, a wholesome twist on a classic favorite that balances indulgence with nutrition. Perfectly cooked whole wheat penne is tossed in a luscious sauce made with low-fat cream cheese, low-sodium chicken broth, and a hint of Parmesan, creating a rich, guilt-free creaminess. Tender slices of pan-seared chicken and wilted fresh spinach add protein and vibrant greens to every bite, while aromatic garlic and fresh basil take the flavor to the next level. Ready in just 45 minutes, this light yet satisfying pasta dish is an ideal weeknight dinner that’s packed with lean protein, fiber, and bold flavors. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy meal at home! Keywords: Low fat pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta, spinach pasta, healthy dinner ideas, one-pot pasta recipe.
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Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 300 grams whole wheat penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 150 grams fresh spinach
- 125 grams low-fat cream cheese
- 250 milliliters low-sodium chicken broth
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 10 grams fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Begin by slicing the chicken breasts into thin strips.
Step 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 4
Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 5
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the chicken and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low and add the low-fat cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until melted and smooth.
Step 7
Slowly pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, stirring constantly to create a creamy sauce.
Step 8
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated into the sauce.
Step 9
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Step 10
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta with the sauce.
Step 11
Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until well combined.
Step 12
Serve the creamy chicken and spinach pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1280.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2480.4 |
| Total Fat 83.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 31.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 390.4mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4194.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 233.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 25.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 16.2g | |
| Protein 180.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 3.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1046.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 19.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2470.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories