Chicken Alfredo with Spinach Recipe

Fettuccine pasta: A type of pasta that is long, flat, and perfect for creamy sauces.

Fresh spinach: Adds a nutritious and vibrant green element to the dish.

Raw cashews: Soaked to create a creamy base for the sauce.

Unsweetened almond milk: A dairy-free milk alternative that keeps the sauce light.

Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy flavor without using dairy.

Olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and add richness to the sauce.

Garlic: Provides a fragrant and savory base for the sauce.

Lemon juice: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.

Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor.

When blending the cashew sauce, ensure the cashews are soaked thoroughly to achieve a creamy consistency. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add more almond milk until the desired texture is reached. This will help the sauce coat the fettuccine evenly.

• fettuccine pasta - Substitute with whole wheat pasta: Whole wheat pasta provides more fiber and nutrients compared to regular pasta.

• fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green that can add a slightly different texture and flavor.

• raw cashews - Substitute with raw sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds can create a similar creamy texture when soaked and blended, and are a good alternative for those with nut allergies.

• unsweetened almond milk - Substitute with unsweetened soy milk: Soy milk has a similar consistency and is a good source of protein.

• nutritional yeast - Substitute with miso paste: Miso paste can provide a similar umami flavor, though it will alter the taste slightly.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available, though it will have a slightly different intensity.

• lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide a similar acidic tang to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add saltiness along with a depth of flavor.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a similar heat without altering the color of the dish.

• Allow the Chicken Alfredo with Spinach to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the pasta to an airtight container. If you have multiple servings, consider using individual containers for easy reheating.

• Store the container in the refrigerator. The Chicken Alfredo with Spinach can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to reheat, if frozen, allow the pasta to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating.

• Reheat the Chicken Alfredo with Spinach on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of unsweetened almond milk or water to the skillet to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

• Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

• If the spinach appears wilted or the sauce has thickened too much, add a bit more unsweetened almond milk or water to achieve the desired consistency.

• Enjoy your reheated Chicken Alfredo with Spinach as if it were freshly made!

• For stovetop reheating:

  1. Place a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of almond milk or olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking.
  3. Add the leftover Chicken Alfredo with Spinach to the skillet.
  4. Stir occasionally, cooking until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. If the sauce appears too thick, add a bit more almond milk to achieve the desired consistency.

• For microwave reheating:

  1. Transfer the Chicken Alfredo with Spinach to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of almond milk or olive oil to keep it moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  4. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Stir the pasta and check the temperature. If needed, continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.

• For oven reheating:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the Chicken Alfredo with Spinach to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Add a splash of almond milk or olive oil to keep it from drying out.
  4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
  6. Stir halfway through the reheating process to ensure even warming.

• For air fryer reheating:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Chicken Alfredo with Spinach in an air fryer-safe dish.
  3. Add a splash of almond milk or olive oil to maintain moisture.
  4. Heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Large pot: used to cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions

• Colander: used to drain the cooked fettuccine

• Blender: used to blend the soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth

• Skillet: used to cook the blended sauce and combine it with the fettuccine and spinach

• Wooden spoon: used to stir the sauce and toss the fettuccine and spinach together

• Measuring cups: used to measure the almond milk, nutritional yeast, and soaked cashews

• Measuring spoons: used to measure the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper

• Garlic press: used to mince the garlic cloves

• Knife: used to chop the fresh spinach if needed

• Cutting board: used as a surface for chopping the spinach and mincing the garlic

Prep ingredients ahead: Soak cashews overnight and chop garlic in advance to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-washed spinach: Opt for pre-washed spinach to skip the washing and drying process.

Cook pasta in advance: Boil the fettuccine earlier in the day and store it in the fridge. Reheat it quickly when needed.

Blender efficiency: Blend the sauce ingredients while the pasta is cooking to streamline the process.

One-pot method: Use a large skillet to cook the sauce and combine everything, reducing the number of dishes to wash.