This Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta is a delightful meal that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce that clings to perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy recipe that comes together quickly, making it a wonderful option for busy weeknights or special occasions with family and friends. With simple ingredients and a flavorful result, you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe time and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy pasta dish is perfect for families and home cooks looking for a reliable dinner option. It offers a balanced mix of protein and vegetables, making it a satisfying meal for everyone. The chicken is cooked to tender perfection, while the creamy sauce is rich and comforting. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, which means less cleanup for you—win-win!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these straightforward ingredients to make your Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta:
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flour for dredging
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Notes, Variations & Simple Swaps
This recipe is flexible and can easily be adjusted to fit your taste. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you’d like to add more vegetables, consider tossing in some sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms. For a different flavor, try substituting the Italian seasoning with a bit of basil or oregano. You can also use whole grain pasta for added nutrition.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet for cooking the chicken and sauce
- Slotted spoon or tongs for tossing pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, reserve a little pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2 – Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper, then toss the pieces in flour to coat. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter melts and begins to bubble, add the chicken pieces. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3 – Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let it bubble for about a minute before returning the cooked chicken to the pan. Next, pour in the cream and add the spinach. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the chicken is warmed through. Finally, combine the drained pasta with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Tips for Perfect Results
To make sure your creamy chicken spinach pasta turns out great every time, follow these tips:
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook when combined with the sauce.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor—it’s a key ingredient in the sauce.
- If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer before adding the spinach.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning at the end, as the cheese and chicken broth can add saltiness.
- Keep an eye on the chicken while cooking to avoid overcooking, which can make it dry.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste! Here are some ideas:
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Stir in cooked mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Swap fresh spinach for kale or Swiss chard.
- Mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
- For a creamier texture, add more cream, or mix in a splash of cream cheese.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This dish is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with various sides. Consider serving with:
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Grilled vegetables for added flavor
Storage, Make-Ahead & Leftovers
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth to help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge. You can also make this dish ahead of time; just cook everything and store it in the fridge, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flour for dredging
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic recommended for best flavor
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve a bit of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Preparing the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Dredge the pieces in flour.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and no longer pink. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the pan.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then pour in the cream and add the spinach. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Combine the drained pasta with the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be a great substitute! Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
If you want even more protein, consider adding some cooked shrimp or sautéed chicken sausage. Both will complement the creamy sauce nicely.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Most gluten-free pasta options work well in this recipe.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk, but adjust the flavoring as needed.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy meal option for family dinners.
