Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Spinach Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich sauce over your favorite pasta. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve guests. Below is an in-depth guide to creating this mouthwatering dish.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips or bite-sized cubes.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water to help with the sauce later.
Step 3: Prepare the Spinach Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Base: Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the pan, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the Spinach and Seasonings: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts down. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If you like a little zing, add the lemon juice at this point.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Chicken
- Add Pasta and Chicken to the Sauce: Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy spinach sauce.
- Serve: Once combined, serve the spinach chicken pasta in bowls. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan and fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations
1. Substitutions and Additions:
- Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken with other proteins like shrimp, turkey breast, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Spinach Alternatives: Fresh spinach is used in this recipe, but you could substitute it with kale, arugula, or even frozen spinach (thawed and drained).
- Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk with dairy-free Parmesan.
2. Make It Spicy:
- If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing, or use a bit of cayenne pepper in the sauce.
3. Add More Veggies:
- Feel free to add more vegetables to the pasta. Mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes would make excellent additions.
- For extra nutrition, consider adding a handful of peas or roasted broccoli.
4. Pasta Options:
- Use any pasta shape you like! While fettuccine and penne are popular choices for creamy dishes, spaghetti, rigatoni, or fusilli will work just as well.
5. Vegetarian Version:
- For a vegetarian alternative, swap the chicken for extra vegetables like roasted eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Meal Prep & Storage:
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, the pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to restore its creamy texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze the spinach chicken pasta for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in a skillet, adding a bit of cream or broth if necessary.
Why This Recipe Works
This spinach chicken pasta brings together a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The chicken adds protein and richness, while the creamy spinach sauce brings in a touch of sweetness and freshness. The Parmesan gives it a nutty, salty edge, and the fresh spinach adds both color and nutrition. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but can be easily adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs or preferences.
Pairing Suggestions
A well-rounded meal doesn’t end with the main dish. To elevate your spinach chicken pasta, consider these pairing ideas for sides and beverages:
1. Side Dishes
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing for any pasta dish, garlic bread adds that crunchy, buttery element that complements the creamy pasta perfectly.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and a tangy dressing offers a great balance of textures with the creamy pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasting vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper for a savory, nutritious side.
- Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: These green veggies add freshness and a slight crunch to your meal, creating a nice contrast with the soft, creamy pasta.
2. Wine Pairings
- White Wine: A light, crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with this creamy dish. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the sauce.
- Red Wine: If you prefer red, go for a light-bodied one like a Pinot Noir. It won’t overpower the creaminess and offers a subtle fruitiness that pairs well with chicken and spinach.
- Non-Alcoholic Options: A refreshing sparkling water or iced green tea will keep the meal light and provide a refreshing balance.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
1. Cooking Chicken to Perfection:
To get perfectly cooked chicken, here are a few extra tips:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked without overcooking, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender.
- Searing the Chicken: For a more intense flavor, consider searing the chicken breasts on both sides until golden before lowering the heat to cook through. This will lock in more of the flavors.
2. Spinach Tips:
- Fresh Spinach: If you’re using fresh spinach, it will cook down quite a bit, so it’s okay to add more than you think you’ll need (a full bag or two is fine). Don’t worry if it seems like a lot; it wilts quickly and integrates nicely into the sauce.
- Frozen Spinach: If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture. The moisture from frozen spinach can make your sauce too watery if not drained properly.
3. Cream Sauce Adjustments:
- Creamy Texture: If you want an even creamier sauce, add more cream or incorporate a tablespoon of cream cheese. This will make the sauce ultra-lush and velvety.
- Thicken the Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce, or add a little bit of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it. On the other hand, if it’s too thick, adding pasta water or additional broth will help loosen it.
- Cheese Lovers’ Dream: For a cheese-forward dish, you can add more Parmesan, or even a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère to enhance the richness of the sauce.
Making It a One-Pot Meal
If you prefer minimal cleanup and a more streamlined approach to cooking, you can adapt this recipe into a one-pot meal:
- Sear the Chicken: Start by cooking the chicken in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven. Once cooked, remove it and set it aside.
- Cook the Pasta in the Same Pan: In the same skillet, add the pasta, broth, and enough water to cook the pasta. Cover and simmer until the pasta is tender. Once the pasta is done, add the cream and spinach, then return the chicken to the pan to finish cooking in the sauce.
This way, the pasta absorbs all the flavors of the chicken and spinach, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish with less mess to clean afterward.
Healthier Modifications
While this dish is already nutritious, there are several ways to make it even healthier without sacrificing flavor:
1. Pasta Substitutes:
- Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to boost the fiber content or accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Vegetable Noodles: Try spiralizing zucchini, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash for a lower-carb alternative to traditional pasta.
- Chickpea or Lentil Pasta: These options are higher in protein and fiber, making them a great choice for those looking to increase their nutritional intake.
2. Lighter Sauce Options:
- Milk Instead of Cream: To make the sauce lighter, substitute heavy cream with milk or even unsweetened almond milk. If you still want a creamy texture, add a tablespoon of cornstarch or use a small amount of cream cheese to thicken it.
- Reduce the Butter: You can reduce the amount of butter in the sauce, using just 1 tablespoon, or substitute it with olive oil for a lighter fat content.
3. Add More Veggies:
- Boost the Vegetables: Spinach is great, but adding other veggies can elevate the nutritional profile. Consider adding mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, peas, or tomatoes to enhance the dish’s color, flavor, and health benefits.
- Use Low-Sodium Broth: If you’re watching your sodium intake, choose a low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to control the salt levels in the sauce.
Vegan/Vegetarian Version
For a plant-based twist, here’s how to make the dish vegan or vegetarian:
1. Vegan Version:
- Chicken Substitute: Swap the chicken for plant-based protein such as tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas for a protein-packed alternative. You can also add roasted cauliflower or eggplant for a meaty texture.
- Cream Substitute: Instead of heavy cream, use coconut milk, cashew cream, or any other non-dairy cream alternative for the sauce.
- Cheese Substitute: Use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast to replicate the cheesy flavor.
2. Vegetarian Version:
For a vegetarian but not necessarily vegan version, just keep the chicken out and opt for a plant-based protein like mushrooms or chickpeas. You can still use dairy products like butter and cream.
Making This Meal a Family Favorite
If you have picky eaters at home, this spinach chicken pasta can be customized to meet everyone’s needs:
- Fussy Kids: If your children aren’t big fans of spinach, chop it finely or blend it into the sauce for a smoother texture. You can even sneak in other vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes.
- Add-Ins for Flavor: For more flavor without extra ingredients, try adding a dash of freshly grated nutmeg to the cream sauce or a spoonful of pesto to add depth and complexity.
Conclusion:
This spinach chicken pasta is a perfect example of comfort food with a twist. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or preparing a meal for guests, this dish delivers both in taste and presentation. The combination of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy sauce over pasta is always a winner.
This Spinach Chicken Pasta recipe is more than just a delicious, creamy meal—it’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, preparing it for meal prep, or serving it for guests, this dish brings together comforting flavors with the goodness of fresh ingredients. With so many customization options, this recipe will surely become a go-to in your cooking repertoire.
Experiment with the variations, try different pasta shapes, or even switch up the protein—there’s so much room for creativity. Enjoy cooking, and feel free to share your personal touches or favorite variations!
Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe

This Spinach Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich sauce over your favorite pasta. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve guests. Below is an in-depth guide to creating this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or more, depending on preference)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and spinach: In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine, then bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce. Stir in the chicken and Parmesan cheese. Add pasta water a little at a time if you need to loosen the sauce.
- Finish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan if you like. Enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken Cooking Tip: To avoid overcooking the chicken and keeping it juicy, make sure to monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. You’re looking for 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down significantly when cooked, so don't worry if it looks like a lot when you add it. For a smoother texture, you can blend the spinach into the sauce, which can be a great option if you're cooking for kids or those who aren't big on leafy greens.
- Pasta: Use any pasta shape you like. Penne, fettuccine, rotini, or spaghetti are all excellent choices. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so if you plan to make this ahead, you might want to add a bit more liquid to the sauce when reheating.
- Creaminess: If you prefer a richer sauce, add more cream, cheese, or a little cream cheese to thicken it. For a lighter option, you can substitute some of the cream with milk or use a plant-based milk for a vegan version.