
This creamy chicken pasta is a smart and delicious way to use up leftover roast chicken. Tossed with spinach, basil, white wine, tomato puree, and creme fraiche, it delivers a rich, silky sauce brightened with fresh lemon.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, following the package directions. Reserve about 240 ml of the pasta water, then drain. Meanwhile, heat the chicken fat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the chopped chili, mashed roasted garlic, and tomato puree, then cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture darkens slightly and smells fragrant. Pour in the white wine and simmer until mostly reduced.
Add the spinach and shredded chicken to the skillet with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through. Stir in the lemon juice, most of the basil, the creme fraiche, and the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding a little more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Season to taste, then serve topped with the remaining basil.
If you do not have chicken fat, use olive oil or butter instead. Add the pasta water gradually so the sauce stays creamy rather than thin, and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.