This creamy chicken spinach pasta is a hug in a bowl! Tender chicken and bright spinach are tossed with smooth pasta and a rich, cheesy sauce that feels so comforting.
If you ask me, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner. Quick to make and full of flavor, I can never resist a second helping. Don’t forget the garlic bread—it’s a must! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This shape is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, but you can swap it for any pasta you like—fettuccine, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta work well!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook and great in this dish. You can use thighs for a juicier option or even diced rotisserie chicken for a quick meal.
Heavy Cream: It gives the dish a nice richness, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option, though the taste will vary a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds flavor and creaminess. If you don’t have it, try Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a vegan choice.
Fresh Spinach: Fresh is best since it wilts beautifully. If you have frozen spinach, it can work too—just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture!
How Do You Make the Sauce Smooth and Creamy?
Getting that creamy texture is key in this recipe! Start by sautéing the garlic in the oil to get a lovely flavor base. When adding the broth and cream, make sure to stir well to combine everything smoothly.
- Scrape the bottom of the skillet as you simmer the broth to mix in any flavorful bits.
- Add the cream slowly while stirring to prevent curdling and help it blend well with the broth.
- Use low heat after adding the cheese; this keeps the sauce from getting grainy.
Finally, don’t forget to toss everything together! It helps the pasta soak up some of that luscious sauce.
Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken spinach pasta takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking the pasta, and then about 20 minutes bringing everything together in the skillet. It’s quick and oh-so-rewarding!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s nice and al dente. When done, drain it well and set aside. You want the pasta ready to soak up all that delicious sauce!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Once they’re done, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it’s fragrant. This step adds a wonderful flavor to your dish!
4. Building the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Make sure to scrape any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan—they add great flavor!
5. Adding Cream and Cheese:
Now, lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and grab your grated Parmesan cheese. Add it in and stir until the sauce is smooth and the cheese has melted beautifully. You should smell that rich, creamy goodness!
6. Incorporating the Spinach:
Next, add in the fresh spinach and let it cook until it wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This makes your dish bright and packed with nutrients!
7. Combining Everything:
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet and give it a good stir to combine everything. Throw in the cooked pasta as well, tossing it all together until it’s nicely coated in that creamy sauce. Yum!
8. Season and Serve:
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, and if you like a kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. Give it one last toss!
9. Garnish:
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for that finishing touch. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful chicken spinach pasta! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen spinach, just be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the sauce. This will help keep your dish from getting watery.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, or even cottage cheese blended until smooth for a healthier choice. Just remember that the texture and flavor might be slightly different!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or warm them gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens up too much.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just sauté them briefly with the garlic before adding the broth for a delicious twist!