Name: Chicken Spinach Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups fresh baby spinach; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
Flavorful and Comforting: Creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and tender pasta create a satisfying meal.
Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and leafy greens.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with different pasta shapes or additional vegetables.
One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal cleanup, maximum taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups fresh baby spinach
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat and add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for about 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Finish with Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve: Plate immediately and top with additional Parmesan if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Extra Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini.
Low-Carb: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Cheesy Boost: Stir in mozzarella or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Grilled Chicken: Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as cream sauces can separate when thawed.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works well. Add it toward the end to warm through without overcooking.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni are excellent choices as they hold the sauce well, but any pasta you prefer can be used.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream alternative and use a plant-based cheese or omit the cheese entirely.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or a combination of milk and a bit of butter can be used for a lighter version.

Can I add mushrooms to this dish?

Absolutely. Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an extra earthy flavor.

How can I make it healthier?

Use whole-wheat pasta, light cream, and add more spinach or other greens like kale or arugula.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and store them separately. Combine and reheat with the sauce just before serving.

What can I serve with Chicken Spinach Pasta?

A crisp side salad and some garlic bread make perfect accompaniments.

How do I keep the sauce from drying out?

If the sauce seems dry after reheating, add a little reserved pasta water or broth to bring back the creamy texture.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Omit the chicken and double the spinach or add extra vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Chicken Spinach Pasta is a quick, creamy, and delicious dinner that brings together wholesome ingredients with rich, comforting flavors. With simple steps and easy customization options, it’s a meal that will become a regular favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping lunches for the week, this satisfying dish will not disappoint!