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Stovetop Pasta with Chicken & Spinach Sauce Recipe
by Salad Foodie

Stovetop Pasta with Chicken & Spinach Sauce

An easy weeknight comfort-food recipe that is on the table in minutes! It cooks so quickly it won't heat up the kitchen in summer. I've used chicken, and tuna at times, but salmon, beef or pork would work also. Various forms of pasta will work well too - rotini, penne, etc. The recipe lends well to adapting to a reduced calorie/fat version by using nonfat or lowfat milk and reduced fat cheese.

Rating: 4.5/5
Avg. 4.5/5 2 votes
Prep time: United States American
Cook time: Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces small shell or elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups torn fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon chicken-flavored bouillon base
  • Dash pepper (or crushed red pepper flakes)
  • 1 cup milk (may use part half-and-half)
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 12 ounces cooked chicken, chopped (rotisserie leftovers work well)
  • 1/3 cup shredded sharp shedder cheese

Directions

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions to al dente stage; drain well and set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan combine spinach, water, garlic, pepper and bouillon base. Cook covered over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Do not drain.
  3. In a small mixing bowl stir together 1/4 cup of the milk with the cornstarch. Stir in remaining 3/4 cup milk and stir that into spinach mixture.
  4. Cook and stir till slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Stir in chicken and macaroni; heat through.
  6. Spoon into serving dish and sprinkle with cheese.