Chicken Spinach Pasta is a creamy, comforting, and wholesome dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and delivers rich flavor with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Spinach Pasta is creamy, satisfying, and packed with protein and greens. It’s a one-pan sauce that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy days. The balance of garlic, Parmesan, and spinach creates a delicious, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (gluten-free or whole wheat)
- 1 pound chicken breast, boneless skinless
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 ounces dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups spinach, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons parsley, minced
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and slice.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic and dried tomatoes for 1–2 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, milk, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Pour mixture into the pan and add spinach.
- Cook until sauce thickens and spinach wilts.
- Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken, tossing to coat evenly.
- Garnish Chicken Spinach Pasta with parsley and black pepper before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Slice chicken thinly for better texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Add a splash of pasta water for extra creaminess.
- Don’t overcook spinach to keep it vibrant.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-Friendly
Notes
- Substitute chicken with beef sausage if desired.
- Add mushrooms or broccoli for extra vegetables.
- Use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives if needed.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
FAQ
Can I make Chicken Spinach Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and is great for meal prep.
What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work well.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and drain excess moisture.
How do I make it lighter?
Use low-fat milk and reduce cheese slightly.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and flour.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Store up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Heat gently with a splash of milk to loosen sauce.
Similar Recipes
Chicken Spinach Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta gluten-free or whole wheat
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless skinless
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 –3 garlic cloves minced
- 1.5 ounces dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cups spinach uncooked
- 2 tablespoons parsley minced
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and slice.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic and dried tomatoes for 1–2 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, milk, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Pour mixture into the pan and add spinach.
- Cook until sauce thickens and spinach wilts.
- Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken, tossing to coat evenly.
- Garnish Chicken Spinach Pasta with parsley and black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with beef sausage if desired.
- Add mushrooms or broccoli for extra vegetables.
- Use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives if needed.
Conclusion
Chicken Spinach Pasta is a quick, creamy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s a go-to recipe for comfort and convenience.