If there’s one comfort food that always brings smiles to the dinner table, it’s Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta. Imagine tender bites of chicken, vibrant spinach, al dente pasta, and a velvety garlic cream sauce—each forkful tastes rich and satisfying yet comes together in thirty minutes flat. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this flavorful pasta dish is bound to become a favorite repeat recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish is practically made for busy nights, relying on simple, high-quality ingredients. Each item plays a vital role, from the chicken’s hearty protein to the hint of warmth from Italian seasonings, and of course, that silky cream sauce that brings everything together so beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces for speedy cooking and tender results every time.
Pasta: Pick penne or fettuccine—either shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully for the perfect bite in every forkful.
Olive oil: This starts everything off right, helping the chicken cook up golden and juicy.
Butter: Adds depth and a hint of richness to the sauce, creating that classic creamy finish.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the entire dish with irresistible flavor—don’t skip it!
Heavy cream: The base of our luxurious sauce, making every bite extra decadent.
Chicken broth: Balances out the richness by adding a savory layer and just enough liquid to keep the sauce silky.
Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness, umami, and that irresistible cheesy pull.
Italian seasoning: Blends classic herbs for the unmistakable taste of Italian-inspired comfort food.
Salt & pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
Fresh spinach: Lends color, freshness, and a burst of nutrients with each bite—roughly chop for even mixing.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle these in if you like a subtle kick of heat!
Extra Parmesan & parsley: For generous garnishing and that final flourish at the end.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your favorite pasta in a large pot of well-salted water. Cook according to the package directions until just al dente—you want it to have a little bite, because it’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside but save a splash of pasta water for later, just in case you want to loosen up the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

As your pasta bubbles away, heat the olive oil in a big skillet set over medium-high heat. Toss in your chicken pieces, season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and watch as they sizzle into golden, juicy perfection—about 5–6 minutes. Once fully cooked and lightly browned, scoop the chicken out and keep it warm on a plate nearby.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Don’t clean out that skillet! Just turn the heat down to medium and melt in your butter, followed by the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds—you’re looking for fragrant, not browned. Next up: pour in your heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened, then stir in the Parmesan until it’s all melted together into a smooth, glossy sauce.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Chicken

Time for a burst of color! Add the spinach right into the skillet and let it wilt down, stirring for about 2–3 minutes. Once it’s beautifully tender, return the cooked chicken (and any lovely juices) to the pan, tossing everything to coat in that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Toss with Pasta

Now for the best part: add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss thoroughly so every noodle gets its share of sauce. If things seem a bit thick, just splash in that reserved pasta water until you reach your ideal consistency. Let it all heat together for about a minute, then it’s ready to serve!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Garnishes

When it comes to the finishing touches, a generous shower of extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley make your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta both beautiful and even more flavorful. If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top—just enough for a gentle tingle with each bite.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hardy and satisfying all on its own, but if you want a full feast, round it out with fresh garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. These sides add extra texture and brightness, making your meal feel even more special and well-balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant presentation, twirl the pasta into nests using tongs and arrange them on plates. Top each serving with a slice of chicken, a smattering of spinach, and extra cheese. Serve family-style in a large bowl with a drizzle of olive oil or a scattering of toasted pine nuts for a fun, communal vibe that encourages second helpings of Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta (lucky you!), pack leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The sauce will thicken a bit in the fridge, but the flavors just meld together more deliciously by the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, this dish can be frozen—just note that the creamy sauce may change texture slightly after thawing. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to well-sealed containers or freezer bags. For best results, eat within two months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta back to life, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through until heated evenly—just be careful not to overcook, as the chicken can dry out.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with other types of pasta?

Absolutely! Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta is super versatile. Penne and fettuccine work great, but feel free to use rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti—whatever shape you have on hand will soak up the sauce beautifully.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you’d like a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or use a mixture of milk and cream. Just keep in mind the sauce will be a bit less rich, but still plenty creamy and satisfying.

Can I add extra veggies to the dish?

Definitely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even bell peppers make delicious additions to Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta. Sauté your extra veggies along with the garlic for more flavor and color.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s a big hit with kids and adults alike. The familiar flavors and creamy sauce usually win everyone over. If you have picky eaters, you can chop the spinach extra small so it melts right into the sauce.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

If your sauce thickens up too much, just stir in some reserved pasta cooking water or a splash of milk to bring it back to the right consistency. This trick keeps your Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta perfectly silky every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about dishes that come together quickly yet taste like you spent hours in the kitchen, and Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta is exactly that kind of magic. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try—you may find it becomes your own personal favorite, too!

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this luxurious Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta, where tender chicken and vibrant spinach mingle in a velvety garlic cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make dish is a comforting yet elegant choice for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Extra Parmesan and parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Brown the seasoned chicken in olive oil in a skillet. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter, then add cream, broth, Parmesan, and seasonings. Simmer until smooth.
Finish the Dish: Add spinach to the sauce, then return chicken to the skillet. Toss in pasta and simmer briefly. Serve hot with garnishes.