Chicken Portofino is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breast with a rich, savory sauce. Made with simple ingredients like garlic, Parmesan, and fresh spinach, it’s perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion. Easy to prepare, this recipe brings the taste of Italian comfort food right to your kitchen.
Key Benefits of Chicken Portofino
Chicken Portofino is a dish that offers more than just great flavor—it’s the perfect balance of creamy indulgence and wholesome ingredients. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy days. Whether you’re cooking for one or the whole family, it’s a quick solution to get dinner on the table without compromising on taste.
- Comforting Yet Light: The creamy Portofino sauce, made with Parmesan cheese and garlic, offers rich flavor without feeling too heavy. Combined with fresh spinach and tender chicken breast, this dish provides a satisfying yet light meal.
- Versatile: You can easily swap out the protein for shrimp or turkey if you’re craving something different. Want to add more veggies? Toss in some mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prepping. It’s easy to reheat, and it still tastes fantastic the next day.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy, cheesy sauce is a hit with kids. The mild flavors and comforting texture make it a perfect family meal that even picky eaters will love.
Chicken Portofino is not only a simple recipe but one that can easily be adapted to suit your tastes and dietary needs. It’s the kind of dish that feels both special and accessible, making it a go-to for any occasion. Enjoy a delicious Italian-inspired meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table!
Ingredients for Chicken Portofino
Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this dish as they cook quickly and stay tender. Chicken thighs work well but need a longer cooking time.
Olive oil – Used for sautéing; it enhances flavor. Avocado oil or butter can be substituted for a different taste.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic offers the most flavor. Pre-minced garlic lacks intensity and aroma.
Heavy cream – Creates a rich, creamy sauce. Substitutes like half-and-half or milk with butter may result in a thinner sauce.
Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and adds a nutty flavor. Pre-grated cheese may affect texture.
Fresh spinach – Adds color, nutrients, and freshness. Kale or arugula can be used, but they have stronger flavors and firmer textures.
Pasta – Fettuccine or penne work well with the sauce, but spaghetti or rigatoni are good alternatives. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta changes the texture.
Instructions for Chicken Portofino
Ready to make this creamy Chicken Portofino? Here’s how to bring all those delicious flavors together:
Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set it aside. Save a little pasta water for later.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Set the chicken aside.
Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the sauce: Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth.
Add spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
Combine pasta and chicken: Slice the chicken and add it back to the skillet with the pasta. Toss everything together. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
Serve: Plate the dish, top with sliced chicken, and sprinkle with extra Parmesan. Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Portofino
Want to take your Chicken Portofino to the next level? Here are some helpful tips that’ll ensure this dish turns out perfectly every time:
Don’t overcook the chicken: The chicken should be cooked through but not overdone. It’s easy to dry it out if it is cooked for too long. Aim for a golden-brown exterior, and the inside should reach 165°F. For more accurate results, use a meat thermometer.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and gives a smoother texture to your sauce compared to pre-grated versions. It also enhances the flavor, making it richer and more authentic.
Make the sauce your own: If you love a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also enhance the flavor by adding a splash of chicken broth for extra depth.
Pasta water magic: When your sauce is a bit too thick, use a little of the saved pasta water to loosen it up. The starchy water helps thicken the sauce, allowing it to cling better to the pasta.
Try different pasta: While fettuccine and penne are great options, feel free to experiment with other types of pasta, like spaghetti or rigatoni, for a different texture and appearance.
Rest the chicken before slicing: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside, making each bite extra juicy and tender.
Customize with vegetables: While spinach is the classic addition, feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even broccoli to enhance the dish.
Variations for Chicken Portofino
While the classic Chicken Portofino is undeniably delicious, there are plenty of ways to mix things up and personalize the dish to your taste.
Chicken and Shrimp Portofino: Add shrimp for a surf-and-turf twist! Simply cook the shrimp alongside the chicken, then toss them into the creamy sauce. This combination offers a wonderful seafood flavor and extra protein.
Chicken Portofino with Mushrooms: If you love mushrooms, try adding sliced mushrooms to the sauce. Their earthy flavor complements the creaminess of the sauce and adds a savory depth. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream.
Chicken Portofino with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a burst of tangy sweetness, mix in some sun-dried tomatoes. Their intense flavor enhances the cream sauce and provides a pop of color and texture.
Vegetarian Portofino: Want to skip the chicken? Replace it with a variety of your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or artichokes. Sauté them until tender and toss them into the sauce for a light yet satisfying dish.
Spicy Chicken Portofino: For a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. This variation brings a nice contrast to the richness of the cream sauce, giving it a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Portofino
Now that you’ve perfected your Chicken Portofino, it’s time to think about how to serve it for a complete, satisfying meal. Here are some simple yet delicious ideas to elevate the experience:
Pair with Garlic Bread: Serve your Chicken Portofino with a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. The crunchy, buttery bread is the perfect complement to the rich pasta dish.
Tossed Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the ideal side to balance out the richness of the sauce. Try arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a refreshing touch.
FAQs for Chicken Portofino
Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you get the most out of your Chicken Portofino cooking experience:
Why is Portofino so famous?
Portofino is famous for its picturesque beauty, nestled along the Italian coast. The dish, often associated with this region, is known for its creamy, luxurious sauce and perfect balance of flavors, making it a popular choice in Italian-inspired cuisine. The name evokes a sense of elegance and indulgence, which is reflected in the rich, satisfying taste of the dish.
What is Portofino sauce made of?
The signature Portofino sauce is a rich, creamy blend of heavy cream, garlic, and chicken broth. Sometimes, you’ll also find elements like sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs added to enhance the flavor profile. This creamy base pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and pasta for a luxurious experience.
Chicken portofino
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz pasta fettuccine or penne
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, saving a bit of pasta water for later in case you need to thin out the sauce.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on the side
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Add in the Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it wilts and softens. The spinach will add color and a touch of freshness to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat it evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Chicken Portofino and top with the sliced chicken. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and a crack of black pepper if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!