This creamy chicken spinach pasta is a yummy dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and pasta all wrapped up in a rich sauce. It’s perfect for any night of the week!
You’ll love how easy it is to make—just cook, mix, and enjoy! It’s a great way to sneak in some greens while having a delicious meal that feels special. Who doesn’t love a one-pot dinner? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is a great pasta shape for capturing the creamy sauce. However, if you don’t have penne, fusilli or farfalle are excellent alternatives that work just as well.
Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts keep it light, but you can use thighs for a richer flavor. If you’re vegetarian, try adding chickpeas or mushrooms instead for protein.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a vibrant color and flavor. If it’s not available, use frozen spinach—just thaw it and drain excess water before adding it to the dish.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or almond milk, but keep in mind the flavor will change.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is the best choice for flavor and texture. If needed, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast are great alternatives to keep it cheesy.
How Can I Make Sure My Sauce is Perfectly Creamy?
Achieving that rich and creamy sauce requires the right technique. Start by ensuring your garlic is fragrant before adding liquids, then combine heavy cream with chicken broth. This adds depth without being too heavy.
- Simmer the sauce gently; don’t let it boil, as that can cause separation.
- Stir in cheese slowly until fully melted—it helps thicken the sauce.
- If it gets too thick, just add a bit more chicken broth or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
With these tips, your creamy chicken spinach pasta will be a hit every time you make it! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For The Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For The Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the pasta, followed by 20 minutes to sauté the chicken and create that creamy sauce. The result is a delicious meal that comes together quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the cut chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until you can smell the garlic’s lovely fragrance. Then, add the fresh spinach and cook it for about 2 minutes, until it wilts down.
4. Creating the Creamy Base:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to mix everything together. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer before stirring in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Bringing It All Together:
Now, return the cooked chicken back to the skillet and mix it gently with the sauce and spinach. Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re looking for some heat.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the creamy chicken spinach pasta immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy every creamy bite of this comforting dish!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Penne?
Absolutely! Whole wheat penne is a great alternative and will add more fiber to your dish. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package, as whole wheat pasta may require a slightly longer cooking time.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and flour for creaminess. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk can also work—just keep in mind the flavor may differ slightly.
How Long Are Leftovers Good For?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to get creative—mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli would all complement the dish nicely. Just sauté them along with the garlic for a delicious twist.
