Spinach Chicken Pasta

The beauty this Spinach Pasta lies in how everything dish, creating a flavor profile you spinach spinach you its mild earthiness combines perfectly with the richness the chicken. As itts into sauce, it, turningv The The garlic, sauté just right, aromatic warm kitchen feel theest. flavors chicken tender, of spinach the just enough make without so love this is. sits you punch leftovers throw if the a! of could flavors. You can swap out the chicken shrimp or the or different of burst recipe never that that, week dinner.

The final touch? A sprinkle of Parmesan. It adds a salty richness that ties everything together. Whether you’re enjoying this meal on a quiet evening or serving it to family and friends, it’s bound to be a hit. Don’t forget to save any leftovers—this pasta is one of those dishes that gets even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.

Key Ingredients in Spinach Chicken Pasta

This simple yet flavorful dish comes together with just a handful of ingredients, each one playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts
  Tender, juicy, and lean, the chicken breasts form the hearty base of this pasta, absorbing the flavors of the garlic and sauce as they cook to perfection.
• Pasta
  Any pasta will work, but something like fettuccine or penne gives the sauce plenty of surface area to cling to, making each bite as creamy and flavorful as the last.
• Fresh Spinach
  The spinach brings a mild, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream and Parmesan. It also adds a pop of color and a nutritious boost to the dish.
• Olive Oil
  The olive oil helps sauté the garlic and chicken, adding a smooth, light richness without overpowering the other flavors in the dish.
• Garlic
  Minced garlic adds a fragrant depth to the sauce. As it’s sautéed, it infuses the oil with its aromatic essence, creating the perfect foundation for the other ingredients.
• Heavy Cream
  This creamy element is the secret to a luscious sauce. It brings a silky smoothness to the dish, balancing out the acidity and giving everything a velvety texture.
• Chicken Broth
  The chicken broth adds a savory, rich liquid base that helps loosen up the cream and enhances the overall depth of flavor. It’s like the savory backbone of the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese
  Grated Parmesan adds that final salty, nutty kick that brings the whole dish together. It melts beautifully into the sauce, enriching it with that distinct, cheesy goodness.
• Salt
  Just a pinch to bring out the natural flavors in each ingredient and make everything taste even more vibrant.
• Black Pepper
  A dash of black pepper adds a subtle heat and balances out the richness of the cream and butter, making the flavors sing.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
  For those who enjoy a little heat, red pepper flakes add a fiery kick that complements the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
• Butter
  A tablespoon of butter is the finishing touch, helping to thicken the sauce while contributing to its richness, making every bite feel luxurious.

Each ingredient plays an important role in creating a dish that’s more than just the sum of its parts—together, they make magic happen.

How to Make Spinach Chicken Pasta

Serving Suggestions for Spinach Chicken Pasta

Pair with a Crisp Salad
A fresh, tangy salad is the perfect side to balance the richness of the pasta. Try something with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, maybe with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta. The acidity cuts through the creaminess, making every bite feel light and refreshing.

Serve with Garlic Bread
You can’t go wrong with a side of crispy, buttery garlic bread. The crunchy texture and the savory garlic flavor complement the creamy pasta perfectly, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good bread dip into that velvety sauce?

Top with Fresh Herbs
For an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top before serving. It brightens up the dish and adds a herbaceous note that elevates the whole experience.

Each of these simple sides brings out the best in this spinach chicken pasta, turning a cozy weeknight meal into something truly special. Let me know how you like to enjoy it!

How to Store Spinach Chicken Pasta

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), storing your spinach chicken pasta is a breeze. To keep it tasting as fresh and delicious as when it was first made, start by letting the dish cool to room temperature before storing it. You don’t want to trap heat inside the container, as that can make everything soggy.

For the best results, store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days, which is perfect if you’re craving a quick meal later in the week. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if it needs a little extra moisture.

If you’re planning to keep the pasta for longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag. When you’re ready to dig in, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Freezing may change the texture of the spinach slightly, but the creamy sauce and tender chicken will still shine. It’s like having a cozy meal ready to go when you need it!

Conclusion

And there you have it—your new favorite weeknight meal! This creamy, comforting spinach chicken pasta is everything you could want in a dish: rich, savory, and packed with flavor. From the tender chicken to the silky cream sauce, every bite is a little slice of heaven. Whether you’re making it for yourself after a long day or serving it up for family and friends, it’s sure to be a hit.

I hope this recipe brings some cozy vibes into your kitchen and fills your home with the most delicious aromas. Don’t forget to let me know how it goes if you try it out! Have any tips, questions, or feedback? I’d love to hear them.

Print Recipe

Spinach Chicken Pasta

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 35 mins

Calories: 550

Description

A creamy, savory pasta tossed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and rich garlic sauce. The perfect balance of flavors—earthy greens, juicy chicken, and a silky, comforting sauce—makes every bite feel like a cozy hug on a plate.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

• 8 ounces pasta

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream

• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth

• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat to boil for the pasta.
2. Once the water reaches a boil, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
4. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Once the olive oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
6. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
7. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest for a few minutes.
8. In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic.
9. Cook the garlic for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not burnt.
10. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts down.
11. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
12. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for about 4-5 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
13. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce.
14. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
15. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
16. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
17. Stir in the sliced chicken, making sure everything is evenly coated.
18. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
19. Serve the spinach chicken pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Note

• Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F internally to ensure it is fully cooked.
• Use a sturdy pasta like penne or fettuccine for better texture in the dish.
• For extra flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the sauce.
• If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
• To add more protein, try topping the pasta with toasted pine nuts or crispy bacon.

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