Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta: A One-Pot Weeknight Wonder

This creamy chicken spinach pasta combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and al dente pasta in a rich garlic cream sauce – all ready in under 30 minutes! It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Base:

• 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter

For Finishing:

• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves (about 4 oz)
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Extra Parmesan for serving

Tools Used to Make Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta

• Large, deep skillet or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Cheese grater (if not using pre-grated cheese)
• Tongs for tossing pasta
• Garlic press (optional)

How to Make Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta

1. Prep the ingredients: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince garlic, dice onion, and measure out all other ingredients.
2. Season and cook the chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Create the sauce base: Add chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook the pasta: If using the one-pot method, add uncooked pasta directly to the sauce, adding extra broth if needed to cover the pasta. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally. For traditional method, cook pasta separately according to package directions, then add to the sauce.
6. Finish the sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and butter, stirring until melted. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
7. Combine everything: Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes (if using) and stir until spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Serving Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta

This creamy pasta dish is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but pairs beautifully with these complementary sides:

• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for sopping up the delicious sauce
• A simple green salad with Vibrant Spring Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus or broccolini
• A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

For an elegant presentation, serve in shallow pasta bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, grated Parmesan, and a small basil sprig. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is creamy and the pasta is perfectly al dente.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture first. You’ll need about 1/2 cup of thawed and squeezed frozen spinach to replace the 4 cups of fresh. Add it at the same time as you would the fresh spinach.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave at 50% power to prevent the sauce from separating.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep components ahead of time. Cook the chicken, prepare the vegetables, and even make the sauce up to a day in advance. Store components separately in the refrigerator, then cook the pasta fresh and combine everything when ready to serve.

Is there a dairy-free alternative?

For a dairy-free version, substitute full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream, use a vegan cream cheese alternative, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

What pasta shapes work best with this recipe?

Medium pasta shapes that capture the creamy sauce work best, such as fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or farfalle (bow ties). Avoid very small pasta like orzo or very large pasta like lasagna noodles.

Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or dice about 2 cups of chicken and add it to the sauce when you would normally return the cooked chicken to the pan.

Final Thoughts

This creamy chicken spinach pasta proves that gourmet flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Make it tonight, customize it to your family’s taste, and watch it become your new go-to comfort meal!

More Recipes to Try!

• Chicken Rice Casserole – Another family-friendly comfort food
• Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese – A delicious twist on the classic
• Easy Mediterranean Steak Bowls – For when you’re craving something different
• Crispy Hot Honey Feta Chicken Recipe – Sweet and spicy perfection
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf – A flavorful update to traditional meatloaf