Delight your taste buds with this unique fusion of delicate fettuccine, succulent chicken, nutrient-dense spinach, and a creamy orange sauce. This delicious recipe is not only packed with flavor, but it's also easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
You'll find most of these ingredients in your pantry. However, the key to this recipe lies in the orange zest and orange juice. These are not commonly used in pasta dishes, but they give the sauce a fresh, tangy twist. When shopping, look for organic oranges to ensure you're getting the best flavor and nutrition. Also, don't forget the heavy cream – it forms the base of the creamy sauce.
Chicken, Spinach and Orange Ingredients for Fettuccine
Cooking oil: A common household staple, used to sauté and cook the chicken.
Chicken thighs: The star of the dish. Chicken thighs are juicy and full of flavor.
Salt: A quintessential seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a little kick to the dish.
Spinach: A nutrient-dense green that pairs perfectly with the creamy orange sauce.
Garlic: Provides a rich, robust flavor that complements the chicken and spinach.
Mushrooms: Adds a hearty, earthy flavor to the dish.
Orange zest: Gives the sauce its unique citrus flair.
Orange juice: Brightens up the sauce, balancing the rich creaminess.
Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce and keeps the chicken moist.
Heavy cream: Creates the rich and creamy base for the sauce.
Fettuccine: The perfect pasta for holding onto the creamy sauce.
One reader, Boote Sipes says:
This fettuccine with chicken, spinach, and creamy orange sauce recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are a delightful blend of savory and citrusy, and the creamy sauce is simply divine. It's a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their pasta game. Highly recommended!
Cooking Techniques for Fettuccine with Chicken, Spinach, and Creamy Orange Sauce
How to sauté chicken: Sauté the seasoned chicken in a large nonstick frying pan with hot oil over moderate heat until just cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
How to wilt spinach: Add the garlic and mushrooms to the same pan used for the chicken and cook for 2 minutes. Then, add the spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2 minutes.
How to make the creamy orange sauce: After wilting the spinach, add the orange zest, orange juice, and chicken broth to the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream and cooked chicken. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the heat.
How to cook fettuccine: In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the fettuccine until just done, about 12 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss with the chicken and creamy orange sauce.
How To Make Fettuccine with Chicken, Spinach, and Creamy Orange Sauce
Give pasta a refreshing upgrade with this fettuccine recipe that has mushrooms, spinach, and a rich sauce made of broth, orange juice and zest.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbsp.cooking oil
- 1lbboneless skinless chicken thighs,cut into ¼ inch strips
- 1¼tspsalt
- ½tspfresh ground black pepper
- 10ozspinach,prewashed
- 2clovesgarlic
- ½lbmushrooms
- ½tsporange zest,grated
- 1tbsporange juice
- ¼cuplow sodium chicken broth,canned, or homemade stock
- ¼cupheavy cream
- ½lbfettuccine
Instructions
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In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over moderately high heat
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Season the chicken with ¼ teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove from the pan.
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Remove any tough stems from the spinach.
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In the same pan used for the chicken, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil over moderate heat.
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Add the garlic and mushrooms and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
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Add the spinach, let it wilt, and stir in ½ teaspoon of the salt and the remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes.
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Add the zest, orange juice, and chicken broth. Simmer for 2 minutes and then add the cream, the chicken, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt.
-
Remove from the heat.
-
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the fettuccine for about 12 minutes until just done.
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Drain the pasta and toss with the chicken and sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: 497.07kcal
- Fat: 18.62g
- Saturated Fat: 5.45g
- Trans Fat: 0.05g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.87g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.80g
- Carbohydrates: 48.55g
- Fiber: 4.10g
- Sugar: 3.71g
- Protein: 34.24g
- Cholesterol: 126.97mg
- Sodium: 791.90mg
- Calcium: 107.51mg
- Potassium: 1019.94mg
- Iron: 3.97mg
- Vitamin A: 402.01µg
- Vitamin C: 23.94mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Fettuccine with Chicken, Spinach, and Creamy Orange Sauce
When sautéing the chicken, ensure that your pan is hot before adding the oil. This will help to sear the chicken and lock in the juices, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Additionally, when adding the spinach, remember that it wilts quickly, so it's best to add it towards the end of the cooking process to maintain its vibrant color and texture. Lastly, when cooking the fettuccine, stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Creamy Pasta Dish
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate the chicken in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup and simplify the cooking process.
Multitask: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce and cook the chicken simultaneously to save time.
Quick fix: Use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
Efficient cooking: Utilize kitchen tools like a food processor or mandoline to speed up the prep work for vegetables and herbs.
Streamlined process: Organize your workspace and gather all necessary ingredients and tools before starting to cook for a more efficient process.
Substitute Ingredients For Fettuccine with Chicken, Spinach, and Creamy Orange Sauce Recipe
cooking oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a rich and fruity flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
boneless skinless chicken thighs - Substitute with boneless skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts can be a leaner option and provide a similar texture and flavor when cooked.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can add a slightly different depth of flavor and a more delicate saltiness to the dish.
fresh ground black pepper - Substitute with ground white pepper: White pepper can provide a milder and slightly different flavor profile while still adding a subtle heat.
spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can offer a hearty and earthy flavor, adding a different dimension to the dish while providing similar nutritional benefits.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to garlic, adding a unique twist to the dish.
mushrooms - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can offer a similar texture and absorb flavors well, providing a fresh and light alternative to mushrooms.
orange zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest can provide a tangy and citrusy flavor, adding a refreshing twist to the dish.
orange juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can offer a tangy and slightly more acidic flavor, providing a different citrusy element to the dish.
low sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add a different depth of flavor and richness to the dish while catering to vegetarian preferences.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can provide a creamy and slightly sweet flavor, adding a unique tropical twist to the dish.
fettuccine - Substitute with spaghetti squash: Spaghetti squash can offer a low-carb and gluten-free alternative, providing a lighter and vegetable-based option for the dish.
Presenting Fettuccine with Chicken, Spinach, and Creamy Orange Sauce
Elevate the plating: When presenting the fettuccine with chicken, spinach, and creamy orange sauce, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean lines and carefully arrange the components on the plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures.
Incorporate microgreens: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the dish with delicate microgreens. These tiny greens not only enhance the visual appeal but also bring a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the overall presentation.
Utilize contrasting colors: Create a visually striking plate by incorporating contrasting colors. The vibrant green spinach, earthy mushrooms, and the creamy orange sauce can be strategically placed to create an eye-catching display.
Highlight the orange zest: Sprinkle a touch of vibrant orange zest on top of the dish just before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also infuses the air with a delightful citrus aroma, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
Pay attention to plate composition: Consider the balance of the dish on the plate. Aim for a harmonious composition by arranging the fettuccine, chicken, and spinach in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each element has its place.
Use fine dining plating techniques: Employ fine dining plating techniques such as quenelles or precise sauce drizzling to elevate the presentation to a level befitting a Michelin-starred establishment.
Add a finishing touch with edible flowers: Consider adorning the dish with edible flowers for a touch of elegance and a subtle floral note. Choose edible flowers that complement the flavors and colors of the dish for a sophisticated touch.
Consider the plate shape and size: Select the appropriate plate shape and size to complement the dish. The right plate can enhance the visual impact and overall presentation of the fettuccine with chicken, spinach, and creamy orange sauce.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Creamy Pasta Recipe
Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It typically has low sides to allow for easy access to the food.
Nonstick frying pan: Similar to a frying pan, but with a nonstick coating to prevent food from sticking to the surface. It's great for cooking delicate foods like eggs and fish.
Large pot: A deep cooking vessel used for boiling, simmering, and cooking large quantities of food such as pasta, soups, and stews.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforated holes used for draining liquids from food, such as pasta or vegetables.
Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for mixing, stirring, and combining ingredients in cooking and baking.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose kitchen knife with a broad blade that is used for chopping, slicing, and dicing a variety of ingredients.
Cutting board: A durable board used as a surface for cutting and preparing food. It helps protect countertops and keeps knives sharp.
Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged perforations used to shred or grate foods such as cheese, vegetables, or citrus zest.
Garlic press: A handheld kitchen tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves, extracting the pulp and juices for cooking.
Pasta tongs: Tongs specifically designed for lifting and serving pasta, allowing for easy handling and portioning of the cooked noodles.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pot with a long handle and a lid, used for cooking sauces, boiling liquids, and reheating foods.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil with a series of looped wires used for beating, whipping, and blending ingredients together, especially in sauces and batters.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Fettuccine with Chicken, Spinach, and Creamy Orange Sauce
To store leftover fettuccine with chicken, spinach, and creamy orange sauce, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the fettuccine with chicken, spinach, and creamy orange sauce. Transfer the cooled pasta dish to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen fettuccine with chicken, spinach, and creamy orange sauce, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, transfer the thawed pasta to a saucepan and reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little chicken broth or water if needed to restore the sauce's consistency.
Note: The texture of the pasta and the creaminess of the sauce may slightly change after freezing and reheating, but the dish will still be delicious and satisfying.
How To Reheat Leftover Fettuccine with Chicken, Spinach, and Creamy Orange Sauce
- Reheat the fettuccine in a large pot of boiling water for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken, spinach, and mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, orange juice, and orange zest. Stir to combine and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the reheated fettuccine to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy orange sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Continue tossing until the pasta is well-coated and the desired consistency is reached.
- For an extra burst of flavor, grate some fresh Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish before serving.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the fettuccine and sauce together in the microwave. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
- If you have stored the sauce separately from the pasta, reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Then, add the reheated fettuccine to the sauce and toss to combine.
Interesting Trivia About Fettuccine with Chicken, Spinach, and Creamy Orange Sauce
The creamy orange sauce in this fettuccine with chicken and spinach recipe adds a delightful citrusy twist to the dish. Orange zest and juice bring a burst of fresh flavor, complementing the savory chicken and earthy spinach. This combination creates a unique and delicious taste experience.
Is Making This Creamy Pasta Dish at Home Cost-Effective?
This fettuccine with chicken, spinach, and creamy orange sauce recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken thighs, spinach, and mushrooms, are relatively affordable and readily available. The addition of orange zest and orange juice may slightly increase the cost, but the dish offers a delightful blend of flavors. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it a reasonable option for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Creamy Pasta Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The fettuccine with chicken, spinach, and creamy orange sauce recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-rich ingredients like spinach, which is high in vitamins A, C, and K, and chicken, a lean protein source. The recipe also incorporates garlic and mushrooms, which offer various health benefits.
However, the recipe has some less healthy components. The use of heavy cream and cooking oil adds saturated fat and calories to the dish. Additionally, the sodium content may be higher than recommended, especially if using regular chicken broth instead of low-sodium.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as evaporated skim milk or Greek yogurt, to reduce the saturated fat content
- Use a smaller amount of cooking oil or opt for a healthier option like olive oil
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish by adding more spinach or other nutrient-dense vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini
- Choose whole wheat fettuccine to increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe and ensure that you are using low-sodium chicken broth to control the dish's sodium content
By making these adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the meal while still maintaining its delicious flavors. The key is to strike a balance between taste and health, ensuring that you can enjoy a satisfying dish without compromising your well-being.
Editor's Opinion on Fettuccine with Chicken, Spinach, and Creamy Orange Sauce
The combination of tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and zesty orange in a creamy sauce is a delightful twist on a classic fettuccine dish. The flavors are well-balanced, and the addition of mushrooms adds a lovely earthy note. The recipe's instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for home cooks. The wine recommendation is a thoughtful touch, enhancing the overall dining experience. This dish is sure to impress with its harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Enhance Your Fettuccine with Chicken, Spinach, and Creamy Orange Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Fettuccine with Chicken, Spinach, and Creamy Orange Sauce Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying meal experience. The succulent chicken thighs are expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection, while the vibrant spinach and earthy mushrooms add depth to the dish. The creamy orange sauce, infused with hints of orange zest and orange juice, provides a refreshing and citrusy note. The addition of heavy cream lends a luscious richness to the sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Paired with al dente fettuccine, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience that's both comforting and indulgent.
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