Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe
Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken pieces with fresh spinach and creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients you might already have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables while enjoying a rich and satisfying meal.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)
- Salt, for pasta water
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- Extra Parmesan (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until smooth.
- Add chopped spinach to the sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss in cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
Serve Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta warm on a plate, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil. This dish pairs nicely with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also offer a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on the side for guests who like a little extra heat.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep the pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to reheat it, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce before warming it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
- Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- Use fresh spinach for better flavor, but frozen spinach can also work in a pinch. Just make sure to drain excess moisture before adding.
- Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for different flavors and textures.
Variation
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or firm tofu for a seafood or vegetarian version. Additionally, you can use whole grain or gluten-free pasta if you have dietary preferences.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to use any pasta shape you like, such as spaghetti or fusilli.
2. Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk, but the flavor and texture may change slightly.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance and combine them with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve for best results.
Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite) Use your favorite pasta shape.
- 1 lb 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces Either chicken breasts or thighs can be used.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste For seasoning chicken.
- 1 tsp 1 teaspoon paprika (optional) For added flavor.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tbsp 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing chicken.
- 3 cloves 3 cloves garlic, minced For flavor.
- 2 cups 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped Use fresh for best flavor.
- 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream For a creamy sauce.
- ½ cup ½ cup chicken broth To thin the sauce.
- ½ cup ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese For flavor and creaminess.
- 1 tsp 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried basil For seasoning.
- ¼ tsp ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat) Adjust for desired spice level.
- Extra Parmesan (for garnish) For serving.
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish) For freshness.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Cooking Chicken
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Making Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until smooth.
Combining Ingredients
- Add chopped spinach to the sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss in cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.