Go Back
Homemade Garlic Chicken & Kale Spaghetti photo

Garlic Chicken & Kale Spaghetti

A quick, creamy garlic pasta with shredded chicken, baby kale and artichokes for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 1/2 cups baby kale chopped
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon paste
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken such as rotisserie
  • 1 cup artichoke hearts chopped
  • 1/2 lb whole wheat spaghetti
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated, plus more for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt generously, and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package directions; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until butter melts.
  3. Add the minced garlic and chopped baby kale to the skillet and cook, stirring, until fragrant and the kale is wilted and tender, about 2 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the kale mixture, stir, and cook 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in the milk until smooth to prevent lumps.
  6. Stir in the chicken bouillon paste, basil, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  7. Add the cooked shredded chicken, chopped artichoke hearts, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan; stir and cook about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is heated through. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to reach desired consistency.
  8. Toss the hot cooked spaghetti with the sauce until evenly coated. Serve topped with additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Baby kale can be substituted with a baby kale and spinach mix.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat.