A comforting and delicious dish featuring tender chicken and vibrant spinach in a rich, creamy sauce, perfectly clinging to pasta. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy evenings.
Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s both comforting and delicious, look no further than Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta. This delightful meal combines tender pieces of chicken and vibrant spinach in a rich, creamy sauce that clings to perfectly cooked pasta. It’s not just any weeknight dinner; it’s a dish that elevates everyday cooking into something special, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy evenings in.
Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just getting started, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. Your loved ones will be asking for seconds, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you created a meal that’s not only full of flavor but also packed with nutritious ingredients.
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Here’s a look at the fresh ingredients ready for preparation.
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions; once done, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper, and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until everything is well combined.
- Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish!
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient substitutions: You can replace chicken with shrimp or use a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Optional variations: Add sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of flavor or toss in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can also include other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Storage or reheating tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to the pasta to loosen the sauce.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty level: Easy
Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
A comforting and delicious dish featuring tender chicken and vibrant spinach in a rich, creamy sauce, perfectly clinging to pasta. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions; once done, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper, and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until everything is well combined.
- Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish!
Notes
For ingredient substitutions, you can replace chicken with shrimp or use a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Optional variations include adding sun-dried tomatoes or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to the pasta to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
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