Creamy Spinach Chicken Pasta
🍝 Creamy Spinach Chicken Pasta
Yield: 4 servings | Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 40 min
A comfort food classic with tender chicken, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, fresh spinach, and your favorite pasta.
🛒 Ingredients
Pasta & Chicken:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips or bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
Creamy Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach, lightly packed
Optional Garnish:
- Red pepper flakes (for heat)
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Extra Parmesan
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook chicken 5–6 minutes or until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter and garlic; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan and cook until melted and slightly thickened (3–5 minutes).
4. Add Spinach
- Stir in spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.
5. Combine Pasta & Chicken
- Return cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet.
- Toss everything to coat evenly in sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve
- Garnish with red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and extra Parmesan.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad.
🔁 Variations & Tips
| Need a Twist? | Try This: |
|---|---|
| Low-dairy version | Use half-and-half or evaporated milk |
| Dairy-free | Use coconut cream + nutritional yeast instead of cheese |
| Swap protein | Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu |
| Extra flavor | Add sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms |
| Wine lover? | Splash in ¼ cup white wine when adding broth |
🥡 Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.