Print

Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Chicken and Spinach Pasta
Print Recipe

This Chicken and Spinach Pasta recipe is a quick, nourishing, and comforting meal combining tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce tossed over perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a balanced dish packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich greens, ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni recommended)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Red pepper flakes, to taste
  • Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
  • Toasted pine nuts (for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedge (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
  2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, stirring constantly to keep the vibrant green color.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream or Greek yogurt and stir well to combine. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until evenly combined and heated through. Taste and season with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the chicken; cut into uniform pieces and remove as soon as no longer pink for juicy bites.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce texture without thinning it too much.
  • Use fresh spinach to avoid extra moisture that can affect sauce consistency.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for best melting and flavor.
  • Season in layers by adding salt and pepper at multiple stages to enhance overall flavor depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, spinach pasta, quick dinner, creamy pasta, healthy dinner, one-pan meal, family-friendly recipe

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/chicken-and-spinach-pasta/