Creamy chicken spinach pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick dinner that feels special. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a weeknight winner for the whole family.
Tender chicken, hearty spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. This Italian-American favorite delivers restaurant-quality flavor without leaving the comfort of your kitchen.
Ingredients That Make This Dish Shine
- Chicken breasts – Provides lean, tender protein that soaks up the creamy sauce.
- Uncooked pasta – Acts as the perfect base to carry the sauce’s flavors.
- Olive oil and butter – Create a flavorful foundation for cooking the chicken.
- Garlic – Adds a savory, aromatic depth to the dish.
- Chicken broth – Infuses the sauce with a light, savory undertone.
- Heavy cream – Creates the luxurious, velvety texture of the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds nuttiness and ties the sauce together beautifully.
- Baby spinach – Balances the richness with fresh, earthy flavor.
- Lemon juice and Dijon mustard – Provide a subtle tang that brightens the dish.
How to Bring It All Together
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces, dredge them in flour, and sauté in a hot skillet until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Build the sauce by deglazing the pan with garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Let it bubble and absorb the flavors.
- Add cream and spinach to the skillet with the chicken. Simmer gently to allow the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken.
- Combine the pasta with the sauce, stirring in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.
Tips to Perfect Your Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
For maximum flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged options. This enhances both texture and taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it. A dash of red pepper flakes can be added for a subtle kick, and penne or fettuccine are great pasta alternatives.
Storing Leftovers the Right Way
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to revive the sauce. Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce can separate upon thawing.
Enjoy this creamy chicken spinach pasta alongside a fresh green salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal that’s sure to please!
Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 2 chicken breasts cut into small bite-size pieces
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Flour for dredging
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then dredge them lightly in flour.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook until the exterior is no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Return the skillet to the heat and let the mixture bubble for about a minute, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the cooked chicken, heavy cream, and spinach to the skillet. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the spinach wilts. Lower the heat if the sauce thickens too quickly or begins bubbling excessively.
- Drain the pasta and combine it with the sauce in the skillet. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
