Spinach Lemon Spaghetti Recipe
Perfectly balanced with tangy lemon, savory spinach, and tender chicken, Spinach Lemon Spaghetti is an ideal dish for a summer dinner or a weekend brunch. This fresh and flavorful Italian-inspired dish is both light and satisfying, with the right amount of spice to wake up your taste buds.
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian (with chicken)
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 1 (boiled and shredded into small pieces) |
| Tomatoes | 4 (diced into large cubes) |
| Spinach | 1 cup (blanched) |
| Garlic | 5 cloves (minced) |
| Butter (Salted) | 3 tablespoons |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Chilli flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Paprika powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Durum Wheat Spaghetti Pasta | 250 grams |
| Salt | As per taste |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serving Size: 4 servings
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Start by prepping all your ingredients. Blanch the spinach in boiling water and then set it aside to cool. Boil and shred the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, shred the chicken using your hands for a more rustic texture.
-
Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the durum wheat spaghetti in salted water as per the instructions on the packet. Once done, drain and set the spaghetti aside.
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Sauté the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or flat pan over medium heat. Add the salted butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Mix them well to combine.
- Add the shredded chicken pieces to the pan, followed by half of the minced garlic. Let the chicken cook and begin to brown, while adding paprika powder, salt, and a pinch of crushed red pepper for some heat. Stir everything to coat the chicken evenly, then remove from the pan and set it aside.
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Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining minced garlic, the chopped tomatoes, and the blanched spinach. Stir occasionally, cooking until the tomatoes soften and become slightly mushy, about 5-7 minutes.
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Combine Everything: Once the tomatoes have softened, add the cooked spaghetti into the pan. Toss the pasta with the tomato-spinach mixture to ensure the flavors meld together. You can add a bit more butter for extra richness, if desired.
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Add the Final Touches: Pour in the fresh lemon juice, adjust salt to taste, and sprinkle in some more chili flakes for an extra kick. Mix everything thoroughly. Finally, return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to combine all the ingredients. Let everything heat through for a few minutes.
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Serve: Serve the Spinach Lemon Spaghetti hot, garnished with freshly grated cheese of your choice—mozzarella, parmesan, or processed cheese all work well.
Serving Suggestions:
For the perfect Italian dinner experience, serve this flavorful Spinach Lemon Spaghetti alongside a classic Pizza Margherita and a chilled glass of white wine or your favorite summer beverage. It’s a delightful combination that’s sure to impress at any casual dinner gathering or weekend brunch.
Tips for Success:
- Customize the Cheese: Depending on your preference, you can experiment with different cheeses. Parmesan offers a sharp contrast, while mozzarella provides a smoother, creamier finish.
- Make it Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, feel free to increase the amount of red chili flakes or even add a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Freshness Factor: The spinach in this recipe adds freshness, but you can also incorporate some fresh basil or arugula for an extra layer of flavor.
- Vegan Adaptation: To make the recipe vegan, simply omit the chicken and replace the butter with a plant-based version. You can also use a vegan cheese alternative for the topping.
This simple yet satisfying Spinach Lemon Spaghetti brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors that are perfect for any summer evening or gathering. The tangy lemon perfectly balances the rich, savory chicken and sautéed veggies, making it a go-to dish for busy nights or special occasions.
