Garlic Chicken Kale Spaghetti
When I think of comfort food, Garlic Chicken Kale Spaghetti immediately comes to mind. It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your belly on a chilly evening. Imagine coming home after a long day and the delightful aroma of buttery garlic and sautéed kale enveloping you. This dish is not only nourishing but also a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors and textures. I remember the first time I made it; I was experimenting with what I had in my pantry, and it turned out to be an instant favorite! The tender spaghetti paired with the savory sauce created a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate. Every bite tells a story of wholesome ingredients and homemade goodness, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Recipe Snapshot
30 mins
10 mins
20 mins
Medium
550 kcal
35 g
Vegan
20 g
Large Pot, Skillet, Whisk, Grater, Chef’s Knife, Wooden Spoon
Why Try This Garlic Chicken Kale Spaghetti
Wholesome Ingredients
The combination of chicken, kale, and spaghetti in Garlic Chicken Kale Spaghetti ensures that you’re nourishing your body with essential nutrients. The vibrant green of the kale not only adds a pop of color but also packs a punch with antioxidants.
Easy to Make
This dish is incredibly simple to whip up, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With just a few steps, you’ll have a meal that feels gourmet but is easy enough to prepare regularly.
Great for Meal Prep
It’s perfect for meal prepping, allowing you to make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Just store the portions in airtight containers, and you’ve got yourself lunches or quick dinners ready to go.
Kid-Friendly
Kids generally love pasta, and the addition of creamy sauce and tender chicken makes it even more appealing. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens without them even noticing!
Versatile
You can easily customize this dish based on what you have on hand. If you want to add a few more vegetables or even swap out the chicken for a plant-based protein, feel free to get creative!
Perfect for All Seasons
Whether it’s spring with fresh ingredients or winter when you crave comfort food, Garlic Chicken Kale Spaghetti fits the bill. It’s a timeless recipe that you’ll turn to again and again.
Main Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Kale Spaghetti
The ingredients in Garlic Chicken Kale Spaghetti are a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each component has its role in creating a delicious and satisfying dish. The richness of the butter complements the earthy notes of kale, while the chicken brings heartiness to the table. Together, they create a meal that’s not only filling but also packed with nutrients.
- Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps cook the vegetables.
- Olive oil: A healthy fat that enhances the dish’s richness.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant and savory base to the sauce.
- Kale: Nutrient-dense and provides a fresh, vibrant color.
- Flour: Used to thicken the sauce for a creamy texture.
- Milk: Provides creaminess to the sauce.
- Chicken bouillon paste: Infuses the dish with deep flavor.
- Basil: Adds a hint of sweetness.
- Thyme: Offers a warm, herbal note.
- Oregano: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Heartiness and protein.
- Artichoke hearts: Brings a tangy flavor and interesting texture.
- Whole wheat spaghetti: A wholesome pasta option.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish.
Preparation Steps for Garlic Chicken Kale Spaghetti
Making Garlic Chicken Kale Spaghetti is a delightful process that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. The key is to prepare everything methodically, ensuring that each component shines in the final dish. Follow these steps to create a beautiful meal that everyone will love.
- Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, generously salt the water, then add the whole wheat spaghetti and cook according to package directions until it reaches al dente. This usually takes around eight to ten minutes. The pasta should be firm yet tender, ready to absorb the sauce.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted and bubbly. This combination will create a flavorful base for our sauce.
- Next, add the minced garlic and chopped kale into the skillet. Stir them together and cook for about two minutes until the kale is tender and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as this can impart a bitter taste.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine, cooking for another minute. This step is crucial for creating a creamy sauce. You want the flour to lose its raw taste while absorbing the flavors from the skillet.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Lower the heat to medium-low, and let the mixture simmer gently. You’ll notice it begins to thicken as the milk heats up.
- Add the chicken bouillon paste, basil, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, along with salt and black pepper to taste. These herbs will infuse the sauce with incredible flavor, so take a moment to mix them in thoroughly.
- Incorporate the cooked, shredded chicken and artichoke hearts into the skillet. Stir everything together until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is well combined, which should take about three minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is warm, it’s time to toss in the drained spaghetti. Use tongs to combine everything, ensuring each piece of pasta is coated with the creamy sauce. The spaghetti should be hot enough to absorb the flavors.
- To finish, serve the Garlic Chicken Kale Spaghetti in bowls and sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy your meal warm!
Things Worth Knowing
- Timing is key: When cooking pasta, always salt the water generously. This enhances the pasta’s flavor.
- Don’t rush the sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer helps develop deeper flavors. The longer it cooks, the tastier it becomes.
- Texture matters: Aim for the pasta to be al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- Adjust the heat: Keep an eye on your skillet’s heat to avoid burning the garlic. A medium heat is usually perfect.
Pro Tips and Tweaks
To elevate your cooking experience with Garlic Chicken Kale Spaghetti, here are some pro tips that can help you make the dish even better.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Portion it into containers and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Pairing: Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Variations: Feel free to add in other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese options: Try using different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist.
- Herb freshness: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor. Consider adding fresh basil or parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness.
What to Serve With Garlic Chicken Kale Spaghetti
Finding the perfect accompaniments for Garlic Chicken Kale Spaghetti can enhance your dining experience. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic bread: A classic pairing, crispy garlic bread complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Simple green salad: A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve alongside seasonal roasted vegetables to add color and nutrients.
- Wine pairing: A glass of crisp white wine can elevate the meal, but it’s also delightful with sparkling water.
- Occasions: Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even special occasions like anniversaries or date nights.
- Storage tips: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container, and remember to refrigerate within two hours of serving.
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, Garlic Chicken Kale Spaghetti is a delightful dish that brings together comfort and nutrition in every bite. Its creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and fresh kale makes it a recipe worth trying. I encourage you to make it for dinner this week; you won’t be disappointed!
Garlic Chicken Kale Spaghetti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring large pot of water to a boil. Salt generously and add pasta. Cook to al dente according to package directions.
- While pasta is cooking, make the sauce. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add in garlic and chopped baby kale until fragrant and tender, about 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in flour. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in milk to prevent lumps and reduce heat to medium low.
- Incorporate chicken bouillon paste, basil, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Add in cooked, shredded chicken, artichoke hearts, and parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
- Heat for about 3 minutes until sauce starts to thicken and chicken is heated through.
- Toss with hot pasta to coat, topping with more cheese if desired, and serve.
Notes
- Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Tip 2: This dish freezes well! Portion it into containers and freeze for up to a month.
- Tip 3: Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Tip 4: Feel free to add in other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Tip 5: Try using different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist.
