Frischkäse Spinat Hähnchen Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
This pasta dish stands out because it combines the richness of cream cheese with the freshness of spinach and the heartiness of chicken breast. Unlike heavy cream-based sauces that can separate or become greasy, cream cheese creates a naturally stable, velvety sauce that’s virtually foolproof to make.
The recipe serves 6 people and delivers an impressive nutritional profile: 450 calories per serving with 35g of protein, 45g of carbohydrates, and 15g of healthy fats.
Ingredients
For the Protein:
- 500g chicken breast fillet, diced into bite-sized pieces
- The lean protein provides substantial satiety and essential amino acids
For the Base:
- 250g pasta (penne or fusilli work best for holding the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
- 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for aromatic foundation
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 200g cream cheese (ensure halal certification if needed)
- 1 cup chicken broth (halal-certified) to thin the sauce
- The combination creates a perfectly balanced, creamy consistency
For Freshness and Flavor:
- 200g fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley and Parmesan for garnishing
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken (7-8 minutes) Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta (10-12 minutes) While chicken cooks, boil pasta in salted water until al dente according to package directions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base (5 minutes) In the same pan used for chicken, add remaining olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce (3-4 minutes) Lower heat and add cream cheese, stirring slowly until melted and smooth. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring to achieve desired consistency.
Step 5: Add Spinach (2 minutes) Fold in fresh spinach and stir until wilted and evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Serve (2-3 minutes) Return chicken to pan, add cooked pasta, and toss everything together. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Notes
Temperature Control: Keep heat at medium or lower when making the sauce to prevent the cream cheese from breaking or becoming grainy.
Pasta Water is Key: The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and creates the perfect creamy texture.
Don’t Overcook Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts quickly and continues cooking from residual heat, so add it last.
Quality Ingredients: Use fresh spinach rather than frozen for better texture, and choose good-quality cream cheese for the smoothest sauce.