Save this
I gotta tell you about my go-to trick for turning yesterday's chicken into an amazing dinner. This rich, creamy pasta has become our family's favorite quick meal. It's so tasty that my kids now get excited whenever we've got chicken leftovers sitting in the fridge.
The Magic Behind This Mix
This dish has saved me on countless busy nights. I can whip it up fast when I'm short on time but still want something tasty for dinner. I also love that it uses up leftovers instead of tossing them out - that always feels like a win to me.
Your Shopping List
- Pasta: Pick whatever shape you want - I find penne grabs onto that creamy sauce just right.
- Chicken: Roughly a cup of chopped or shredded leftovers.
- Olive Oil: Only a tablespoon to liven up your chicken.
- Cream Cheese: Go for the regular kind, not low-fat, for the smoothest sauce.
- Milk: This thins out your sauce to just the right texture.
- Sweetcorn: Gives little bursts of sweetness throughout.
- Spinach: It shrinks down and blends right in.
- Parmesan: Definitely grate it fresh if you can.
The Cooking Steps
- Boil Your Pasta
- Cook it in really salty water. Don't dump all the water out - keep some for your sauce later.
- Refresh Your Chicken
- Just toss it around with some olive oil to bring it back to life.
- Build Your Sauce
- Here's where it gets good. Your cream cheese and milk will turn into something wonderful.
- Drop In The Veggies
- The spinach turns into soft green strands as it cooks down.
- Mix Everything Up
- Toss it all together and watch that sauce wrap around everything beautifully.
Twist It Your Way
Don't be afraid to throw in your own extras. Sometimes I toss in some crunchy bacon or cooked mushrooms. A handful of halved cherry tomatoes makes it colorful and even tastier. You can really make it your own.
Save this
Storage Smarts
If you somehow don't finish it all, it'll stay good in the fridge for a day. When you warm it up, add a little splash of milk to make the sauce creamy again. But honestly, we usually scrape the pan clean.
Great Side Matches
Nothing beats some warm garlic bread for sopping up the sauce. A simple green salad works great too. The crisp lettuce pairs really well with the smooth, creamy pasta.
Pro Pointers
That starchy pasta water is the secret to a smooth sauce. Just add small amounts until you get it just right. And don't skimp with low-fat cream cheese - the full-fat stuff makes all the difference.
Other Meat Options
Got no chicken? Don't worry. This works great with leftover turkey, store-bought rotisserie chicken, or even chickpeas if you don't eat meat. Each one brings something special to the dish.
Batch Cooking Bonus
This dish is super handy for busy weeks. I often cook extra and pack it for lunches. Just remember to add that tiny bit of milk when you heat it up to bring back the creaminess.
Save this
Child Friendly
Even the fussy kids at my table gobble this up. I sometimes use fun pasta shapes and sneak in extra veggies. The cheese sauce makes everything taste good to little ones.
Changing With The Seasons
I switch up this dish all year round. In summer I throw in fresh zucchini and bell peppers, while winter calls for chunks of roasted butternut squash or some hearty kale instead.
For No-Gluten Needs
I've tried this with many gluten-free pastas. The sauce works great with rice pasta or chickpea pasta, so everyone can join in regardless of dietary needs.
No Dairy Alternatives
When I have friends over who can't eat dairy, I use plant-based cream cheese and some nutritional yeast flakes. It's not exactly the same but still tasty enough for everyone.
Cutting Carbs
For lighter meals, I swap pasta for spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash strands. Just make your sauce a little thicker so it sticks well to the veggie noodles.
Save this
Fancy Touches
When company comes over, I'll sprinkle some crispy breadcrumbs or toasted pine nuts on top. Serve it with a chilled glass of white wine and suddenly it feels like restaurant food.
Time-Saving Tricks
On crazy days I get everything ready ahead of time. The chicken gets chopped, sauce stuff measured out, all waiting to go. Then dinner comes together in a flash when you're hungry.
Heat Factor
We often add a dash of hot sauce or some chili flakes. That little bit of heat goes really well with the creamy sauce. Start small - you can always add more later.
Contrast Game
The toppings really make each bite better. Try adding some crunchy panko crumbs or chopped almonds on top for a fun contrast to the soft pasta.
House Favorite
This dish has earned its spot in our regular dinner lineup. It hits that sweet spot between easy and delicious, plus it helps us use up leftovers. Can't ask for more than that.
Save this
Common Questions
- → Why save pasta water?
- The leftover water from your pasta has starch that makes your sauce smooth and clingy. It's a crucial trick you shouldn't miss.
- → How can I make this dish even quicker?
- Go for fresh tagliatelle instead of dry pasta since it only needs a couple minutes to cook. This cuts down your prep time a lot.
- → Can I spice up this recipe?
- Sure, toss in some red pepper flakes at the end for a kick. More black pepper and extra cheese will boost the flavor too.
- → What type of pasta works best?
- Any shape works fine, but ones that grab sauce like fusilli, penne, or tagliatelle do the job best. Fresh pasta is quicker if you're in a hurry.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
- This dish plays well with many veggies. Try throwing in some peas, mushrooms, or broccoli when you add your corn and spinach.