There’s something magical about a dish that combines the velvety smoothness of cream with hearty pasta and tender chicken. This creamy chicken spinach pasta is a cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and incorporates a healthy dose of greens with the spinach. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a romantic date night, or simply treating yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes.

I first stumbled upon the concept of creamy spinach pasta while searching for ways to use up an overzealous bag of fresh spinach. The results were so delicious that this dish quickly became a family favorite. The way the creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta, with pops of color and freshness from the spinach, makes it hard to resist. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll see why this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
2. Comfort Food Perfection: Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
3. Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the combination of chicken, pasta, and creamy sauce.
4. Healthy Spinach Boost: Sneak in some greens for a balanced meal.
5. Customizable: Switch up the pasta shape or add your favorite veggies for a personal twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Pasta: 8 oz of your favorite shape (penne, fettuccine, or rotini work well)
• Olive oil: 2 tbsp, for sautéing
• Chicken breasts: 2, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Chicken broth: 1 cup
• Heavy cream: 1 cup
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated
• Spinach: 3 cups, fresh and washed
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Red pepper flakes: A pinch, optional, for a bit of heat

How to Make Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Don’t forget to generously salt the water for maximum flavor. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set it aside.

2. Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

3. Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this step adds tons of flavor!

4. Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened.

5. Add the Spinach
Toss in the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until it wilts. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired.

7. Serve and Enjoy
Dish up your creamy chicken spinach pasta immediately, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for good measure. Serve it alongside garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Helpful Tips:

• Choose Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. Grate it yourself for the best results.
• Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a luscious texture.
• Customizable Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp or turkey for a new twist.

Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Diet: High-protein

Notes:

• This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Feel free to double the recipe for meal prep or to feed a crowd!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 | Protein: 35g | Carbs: 38g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Simply thaw the spinach and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the sauce.

2. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini work well, but fettuccine is a great option if you prefer long noodles.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.

Storage Instructions:

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne – A Comforting One-Pot Wonder!
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Fettuccine with Savory Sausage

Conclusion:

There’s nothing quite like the combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant spinach, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that feels indulgent yet balanced, making it perfect for any occasion. I hope you love this creamy chicken spinach pasta as much as I do—happy cooking!

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