Garlic Parmesan Chicken over Creamy Spinach Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
For the Spinach Alfredo:
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 oz fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
Cooked pasta of your choice (fettuccine, linguine, or penne work great!)
Directions:
1. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Heat the olive oil with 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet and cook the chicken on both sides until fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and let it rest.
2. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the garlic and stir briefly to release its flavor.
3. In a separate area of the skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter, add the garlic, then mix in the spinach. Cook just until the spinach softens and reduces in volume.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and lower the heat. Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, and nutmeg, stirring until the sauce becomes rich and velvety.
5. Slice the chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Spoon the Alfredo sauce over the chicken and let everything warm together for a couple of minutes.
6. Serve over your favorite cooked pasta and finish with extra Parmesan if desired.