Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe
Nothing comforts quite like a bowl of creamy pasta, especially when tender chicken and fresh spinach are involved. This creamy chicken spinach pasta brings together rich flavors, silky sauce, and the goodness of vegetables in one hearty dish. Perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together, this recipe is designed to satisfy both comfort food cravings and nutritional needs.
Pasta dishes are often go-to meals because they are quick and versatile. With this recipe, you can take basic pantry staples and turn them into something extraordinary. Boneless chicken breasts provide lean protein, while garlic and parmesan bring depth and richness. The addition of spinach cuts through the creaminess and balances the entire dish beautifully.
This meal is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something nourishing yet indulgent. It is also a great way to sneak some greens into your meal without compromising on flavor. Whether served on its own or alongside garlic bread or a fresh salad, it is guaranteed to be a hit around the table.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a breakdown of the ingredients used in this recipe, along with their approximate calorie counts.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breast | 1 pound | 500 |
| Penne pasta | 12 ounces | 1260 |
| Fresh spinach | 4 cups | 28 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 820 |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ¾ cup | 330 |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 4 | 20 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | 200 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | 0 |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | 0 |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ¼ teaspoon | 2 |
Estimated Total Calories: ~3400
(Serves 4 to 6 portions)
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by cooking the pasta. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving half a cup of the pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and season with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot skillet and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to deglaze the pan. Let the cream simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so it thickens slightly.
Add the grated parmesan cheese slowly while stirring, allowing it to melt evenly into the sauce. Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, toss in the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and blends into the mixture.
Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Mix everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For an extra touch of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve hot, topped with extra parmesan if desired.
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Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Swap penne for any pasta you prefer. Bowties, rigatoni, or fettuccine all work beautifully in this dish. Whole wheat pasta or gluten-free versions can be used for specific dietary needs.
For a lighter option, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. If you want even more vegetables, add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to the skillet with the garlic.
Shredded rotisserie chicken can be used for a quicker version of this recipe. Just skip the searing step and toss the chicken in with the spinach and sauce.
You can also turn this into a baked pasta dish. Transfer the finished mixture into a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (based on 5 portions) contains approximately:
- Calories: 680
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
This creamy pasta provides a good balance of protein and carbs, with healthy fats from olive oil and the richness of dairy. Spinach boosts the vitamin and mineral content, offering iron and antioxidants.
Serving Suggestions
Serve creamy chicken spinach pasta with warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the sauce. A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and contrast to the richness of the dish.
For a complete meal, add roasted vegetables on the side or a bowl of soup like tomato basil or mushroom bisque.
This pasta also makes great leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce without drying it out.
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Conclusion
Creamy chicken spinach pasta combines simple ingredients into something that feels elegant yet comforting. It is the kind of dish you can enjoy on a casual weeknight or serve to guests for a cozy dinner gathering. With tender chicken, fresh greens, and a velvety sauce, every bite delivers pure satisfaction.
This recipe is easy to customize, quick to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser. Once you make it, you will want to add it to your regular dinner rotation. It is that good.