Browned Butter and Mizithra Cheese Pasta with Chicken, Spinach, and Herbs

4 stars
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Browned Butter and Mizithra Cheese Pasta with Chicken, Spinach, and Herbs
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
40mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on November 09, 2023

Indulge in this delicious and flavorful pasta dish that combines the nutty taste of browned butter with the richness of Mizithra cheese. Tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and aromatic herbs take this dish to the next level. The recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces spaghetti
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup grated Mizithra cheese
  • 1/4 cup toasted breadcrumbs

Directions

  1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Continue cooking the butter until it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma, about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the browned butter and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  5. Add the chopped spinach, basil, and parsley to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts.
  6. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips and add them to the skillet with the spinach mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
  7. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat it with the browned butter and spinach mixture.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Mizithra cheese and toasted breadcrumbs over the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
  9. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional chopped herbs and grated Mizithra cheese, if desired.

Interesting Facts

  • Browned butter, also known as beurre noisette in French, adds a rich and nutty flavor to dishes.
  • Mizithra cheese is a Greek cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a crumbly texture and a slightly tangy taste.
  • Toasting breadcrumbs enhances their flavor and adds a crunchy texture to the pasta dish.