Creamy Gorgonzola Pasta Delight with Spinach and Roasted Red Peppers
Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Gorgonzola Pasta Delight, a comforting yet elegant dish that brings together tender corkscrew macaroni, succulent chicken, and fresh vegetables in a creamy blue cheese sauce. This recipe showcases the delightful combination of savory roasted red peppers, vibrant baby spinach, and aromatic garlic, all brought together with the nutty crunch of pine nuts. Perfect for a quick weekday dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this pasta dish can easily be adapted to dietary preferences, making it versatile and appealing. Ready in under 30 minutes, it pairs beautifully with a glass of dry white or medium-bodied red wine, making each bite a celebration of flavor and comfort.
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
corkscrew macaroni
1 lb (uncooked)
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 large (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
garlic cloves
3 large (peeled and thinly sliced)
Baby Spinach
1 (8 ounce) bag (pre-washed)
red bell pepper
1 large (roasted, skinned, seeded, and cut into thin strips)
chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (preferably low-sodium)
fresh basil
1 bunch (sliced into ribbons)
gorgonzola cheese
8 ounces (cut into 1-inch cubes or use another mild creamy blue cheese)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
pine nuts
1/3 cup (toasted)
Parmesan cheese
to taste (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the corkscrew macaroni and cook for 10 minutes or until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2
While the pasta is cooking, cut the boneless skinless chicken breast into half-inch pieces. Season the pieces with salt and pepper.
3
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they are just cooked through, stirring occasionally. Once done, remove the chicken along with any pan juices to a bowl and keep it warm.
4
In the same sauté pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the sliced garlic over medium heat until it becomes translucent but be careful not to let it brown.
5
Next, incorporate the washed baby spinach and sauté until it wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
6
Pour in the chicken broth and add the roasted red pepper strips. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
7
Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the fresh basil and gorgonzola cheese, cooking until the cheese melts completely into a creamy sauce.
8
Add the drained pasta and the cooked chicken along with its juices to the sauté pan. Mix everything thoroughly and heat for an additional minute, ensuring everything is well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
9
To serve, divide the pasta among plates and generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts for an added crunch. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor!
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
40g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Gorgonzola Pasta Delight?
It is a comforting and elegant pasta dish featuring corkscrew macaroni, chicken, baby spinach, and roasted red peppers in a creamy gorgonzola blue cheese sauce.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The recipe is designed to be ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick weekday dinners.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of uncooked corkscrew macaroni.
How should the chicken be prepared?
Use one large boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1/2-inch pieces and seasoned with salt and pepper.
What kind of cheese is used for the sauce?
The sauce uses 8 ounces of gorgonzola cheese cut into 1-inch cubes, or another mild creamy blue cheese.
What vegetables are included in the pasta?
The dish includes an 8-ounce bag of pre-washed baby spinach and one large roasted red bell pepper.
How do I prepare the roasted red pepper?
The red bell pepper should be roasted, skinned, seeded, and then cut into thin strips.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 3 large garlic cloves that have been peeled and thinly sliced.
What kind of broth is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth, preferably low-sodium.
How is the fresh basil prepared?
One bunch of fresh basil should be sliced into ribbons before being added to the sauce.
Are there any nuts in this recipe?
Yes, the dish is topped with 1/3 cup of toasted pine nuts for added crunch.
What is the recommended garnish?
The pasta is garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts.
How long should I cook the macaroni?
The corkscrew macaroni should be cooked for 10 minutes or until it is al dente.
How do I cook the chicken pieces?
Sauté the chicken in olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes until just cooked through.
How do I make the gorgonzola sauce?
Stir the gorgonzola cheese and fresh basil into the simmering chicken broth and pepper mixture until the cheese melts completely.
Can I substitute the gorgonzola?
Yes, you can use another mild creamy blue cheese if gorgonzola is unavailable.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 350 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains 13g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this pasta provide?
Each serving provides 20g of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
The dish contains 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
What wine pairs well with this recipe?
It pairs beautifully with a glass of dry white or medium-bodied red wine.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is considered a one-dish meal because it combines protein, pasta, and vegetables.
What is the category of this recipe?
This is a pasta dish that falls under comfort food and quick dinners.
How do I sauté the garlic properly?
Sauté the sliced garlic over medium heat until it is translucent, taking care not to let it brown.
How long does it take for the spinach to wilt?
The baby spinach should take about 2-3 minutes to wilt down in the sauté pan.
Should I keep the chicken juices?
Yes, you should add the cooked chicken along with any pan juices back into the pasta for extra flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, its elegant combination of gorgonzola and roasted peppers makes it an impressive meal for guests.
Do I need to add salt and pepper?
Yes, you should season the chicken initially and adjust the final dish with salt and pepper to taste.
When should I serve the pasta?
For the best flavor, the pasta should be enjoyed immediately after mixing and heating for an additional minute.