Description
This Chicken Feta Spinach Pasta combines creamy texture, fresh spinach, and tender protein in a flavorful, easy-to-make dish. Featuring plant-based feta and a naturally creamy sauce made without heavy creams, it is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, tender and lean
Cheese
- 100g plant-based feta cheese, crumbled
Greens
- 4 cups fresh spinach
Pasta
- 250g pasta of choice (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
Other Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Sea salt, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Natural gelling agent (amount as needed for sauce texture)
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with sea salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized strips or cubes.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Add fresh spinach and cook just until wilted to preserve color and nutrients.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in vegetable broth and plant-based cream. Stir gently to combine. Add apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and the natural gelling agent. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add pasta to the sauce. Fold in cooked chicken and sautéed spinach. Crumble plant-based feta over the mixture and stir lightly to coat everything in creamy sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Season with additional sea salt and black pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for aroma and a pop of green. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Do not overcook spinach; quick sauté maintains color and texture.
- Reserve pasta cooking water to add a splash to the sauce for better cling.
- Let plant-based feta soften slightly before adding to enhance creaminess.
- Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting as you go to avoid overseasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, spinach pasta, plant-based feta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, gluten free pasta recipe