Chicken and Spinach Alfredo with Roasted Tomato


reamy, Dreamy Alfredo Sauce Meets Succulent Chicken and Sweet Roasted Tomatoes – A Restaurant-Quality Pasta Night!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 | Difficulty: Easy | Dietary Note: Vegetarian Option Below

Ingredients

(Professional Tip: Roast tomatoes while prepping the chicken to save time!)

Roasted Tomatoes:

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes , halved
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic , minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

Chicken & Sauce:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (sliced into strips)
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or ½ cup cream + ½ cup chicken broth for lighter sauce)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, but recommended)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach , roughly chopped

For Serving:

  • 12 oz fettuccine (or zucchini noodles for low-carb)
  • Fresh parsley , chopped
  • Extra Parmesan , grated

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Roast the Tomatoes:
    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast 15-20 minutes until blistered and caramelized.

  2. Cook the Pasta:
    Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

  3. Sear the Chicken:
    Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

  4. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
    In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and nutmeg until smooth.

  5. Combine Everything:
    Add spinach to the sauce and wilt (1-2 minutes). Return chicken to the skillet. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce (add reserved pasta water if too thick).

  6. Serve:
    Plate pasta, top with roasted tomatoes, chicken, and extra Parmesan. Garnish with parsley.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Sauce Hack: Add a splash of pasta water to emulsify the sauce for silky texture.
  • Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or mushrooms.
  • Gluten-Free: Use GF pasta or serve over polenta.


 

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