Garlic Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe

This creamy savory Chicken Spinach Pasta is made with tender chicken breast, garlic, and fresh baby spinach and ready in 30 minutes. Tossing the hot noodles directly into the parmesan cream sauce gently wilts the greens while creating a glossy coating. I rely on this quick weeknight meal whenever I need something deeply comforting but fast.

Why This Classic Works

I used to overcook my chicken when making pasta dishes until I started browning it first and setting it aside. This keeps the meat incredibly juicy while building a flavor base in the pan.

Adding the spinach at the very end was another hard lesson I learned. If you boil it with the pasta, it turns into mush, but folding it into the warm sauce keeps its texture intact.

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Chicken Spinach Pasta Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

How To Make Chicken Spinach Pasta

1. Boil The Pasta: Cook the penne in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
2. Sear The Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, salt, and pepper, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until browned.
3. Build The Sauce: Lower the heat to medium, add the minced garlic, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Melt The Cheese: Stir the grated parmesan cheese into the bubbling cream until smooth and fully incorporated.
5. Combine And Toss: Add the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss everything continuously for 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce coats the noodles.

Recipe Tips

• Reserve pasta water: Save a half cup of the starchy water before draining to thin out your sauce if it gets too thick.
• Use fresh spinach: Frozen spinach holds too much water and will easily dilute your creamy sauce.
• Grate your own cheese: Pre-packaged parmesan contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the cream.

What To Serve With Chicken Spinach Pasta

I like pairing this rich main course with a crisp side salad dressed in a sharp lemon vinaigrette. Warm garlic bread is also excellent for soaking up any leftover cream sauce at the bottom of the bowl.

How To Store

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to bring the cream sauce back together. I do not recommend freezing this because the dairy will separate.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work very well in this dish. They take slightly longer to cook but remain very juicy.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half works if you want a lighter sauce. You might need to simmer it a minute longer to reach the right thickness.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Fusilli, farfalle, or even long noodles like fettuccine hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.

Nutrition

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Total Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
• Protein: 32 g

Try More Recipes:

• One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
• Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
• Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe