Recipe
A delicious Italian-inspired pasta made with strozzapreti, juicy chicken, fresh spinach, garlic, and a light Parmesan sauce. Simple, hearty, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 400g strozzapreti pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 30g unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 150g fresh baby spinach
- 80g freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 150ml chicken stock
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the strozzapreti until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Cook the chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- Transfer to a plate.
3. Prepare the sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the chicken stock and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until just wilted.
4. Combine
- Return the chicken to the skillet.
- Add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Gradually stir in the Parmigiano-Reggiano while tossing until a light, silky sauce forms.
5. Finish
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Serve
- Plate immediately.
- Garnish with extra Parmigiano-Reggiano and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Chef’s Tip 🇮🇹
Strozzapreti has a twisted shape that holds light sauces exceptionally well. Add the Parmesan off the heat or over very low heat to ensure a smooth, creamy coating without the cheese becoming grainy.
Final result: Tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and perfectly cooked strozzapreti coated in a delicate Parmesan sauce create a satisfying, elegant pasta that’s full of authentic Italian-inspired flavor. 🍝🌿🧀
