Creamy Spinach and Chicken Farfalle Delight
Indulge in this delightful dish of Creamy Spinach and Chicken Farfalle, a perfect balance of health and flavor. This one-pot meal features whole wheat farfalle, providing a wholesome base that is both filling and light. Tender pieces of chicken breast are sautéed with fresh onions, garlic, and an array of mushrooms, creating a rich and savory blend. The addition of sun-ripened tomatoes and vibrant baby spinach elevates the dish, while a hint of white wine adds depth to the flavor profile. To finish, dollops of low-fat ricotta cheese create a silky, creamy consistency that wraps around the pasta beautifully. This dish is not only visually appealing with its colorful ingredients but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with family and friends. Experience a meal that is as nutritious as it is delicious, and enjoy the goodness of fresh ingredients in every bite!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat farfalle pasta
1/2 lb (uncooked)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
chicken breast
1 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
onions
1 1/2 (diced)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
cremini mushrooms
1/2 lb (sliced)
white wine or chicken broth
1/4 cup (optional for deglazing)
diced tomatoes
28 ounces (partially drained)
dried parsley
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
dried basil
1 1/2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
red pepper flakes
2 pinches (for seasoning)
baby spinach
1 (3 ounce) package (fresh or thawed & drained if frozen)
low-fat ricotta cheese
1/2 cup (for creaminess)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, reserve a cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2
While the pasta cooks, heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper and add them to the pan. Sauté the chicken until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the diced onions to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften.
4
Stir in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper. Sauté the mixture until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture, approximately 5 minutes.
5
Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the white wine (or chicken broth). Cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to reduce until most of the liquid has evaporated.
6
Add the diced tomatoes (with a few tablespoons of the reserved juice), dried parsley, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7
Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through, approximately 5-10 minutes.
8
Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is rich, add in the baby spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.
9
Taste the mixture and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
10
Carefully fold the cooked farfalle into the skillet, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
11
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and gently stir in the ricotta cheese, allowing it to warm slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy, nutritious dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach and Chicken Farfalle Delight?
It is a nutritious one-pot meal featuring whole wheat pasta, sautéed chicken, mushrooms, and spinach in a light, creamy sauce made with ricotta cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of pasta is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of whole wheat farfalle (bow-tie) pasta for a more wholesome base.
Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat farfalle with regular farfalle or any other short pasta shape of your choice.
How should I prepare the chicken?
The chicken breast should be cut into bite-sized pieces and sautéed until golden brown, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
What kind of mushrooms are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of sliced cremini mushrooms for their savory flavor.
Is white wine necessary for the sauce?
White wine is optional and used for deglazing the pan to add depth; you can substitute it with chicken broth.
How do I make the sauce creamy without heavy cream?
The creaminess comes from stirring in 1/2 cup of low-fat ricotta cheese at the very end of the cooking process.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh baby spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but ensure it is thawed and thoroughly drained before adding it to the skillet.
What type of canned tomatoes are needed?
The recipe calls for a 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes, partially drained.
How do I ensure the pasta isn't dry?
Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; add a splash of it to the skillet if the mixture looks too dry when folding in the pasta.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with dried parsley, dried oregano, and dried basil.
How long does it take to cook the mushrooms and garlic?
Sauté the mushrooms and garlic for approximately 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture.
Should the chicken be cooked before adding other vegetables?
Yes, the chicken should be sautéed first until golden brown before adding onions, mushrooms, and garlic.
What is the purpose of the red pepper flakes?
Two pinches of red pepper flakes are added to provide a very subtle hint of heat and flavor complexity.
When should the ricotta cheese be added?
The ricotta cheese should be folded in last, after the skillet has been removed from the heat, to allow it to warm through gently.
How do I deglaze the pan?
Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the white wine or chicken broth, cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until most liquid has evaporated.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute, though they may require slightly longer cooking time.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, with an ingredient count of 14 and a straightforward one-pan assembly after boiling pasta, it is ideal for a weeknight meal.
How do I know when the spinach is ready?
Cook the spinach for only 2 to 3 minutes until it has just wilted into the sauce.
What is the total amount of garlic used?
The recipe requires 4 minced garlic cloves.
Is olive oil the only fat used for cooking?
Yes, one tablespoon of olive oil is used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Certainly; bell peppers or zucchini would complement the existing mushroom and spinach flavors well.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 and 1/2 diced onions.
What is 'al dente' pasta?
Al dente refers to cooking the pasta so it is still firm to the bite, which is important as it will cook slightly more when mixed with the hot sauce.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
The recipe does not list any added sugars; any sugar content would be naturally occurring in the vegetables.
How much white wine should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/4 cup of white wine or chicken broth for deglazing.
Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth to make this a vegetarian pasta dish.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add the garlic along with the mushrooms after the onions have softened, and keep the mixture moving in the skillet.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it hot, immediately after folding in the ricotta cheese, while the sauce is at its creamiest consistency.