Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, luscious meal that feels like a hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Recipe is here to become your new go-to comfort dish. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta all smothered in a dreamy, velvety sauce loaded with just the right amount of garlic, lemon, and cheese. You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role in creating a balanced and flavorful dish. Every component enhances the taste, texture, or color, from the juicy chicken to the bright punch of spinach.

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite pasta shape; it forms the delicious base that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into small bite-size pieces: Provides tender protein that absorbs all the lovely flavors while adding heartiness.
• Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
• Flour, for dredging: Helps create a light coating on the chicken, boosting browning and thickening the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps build a silky sauce base.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Keeps the chicken juicy and gives a subtle fruity undertone.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and a savory kick.
• 1/3 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and a gentle savory backdrop to the creamy sauce.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens and balances the richness with a lovely tang.
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Introduces subtle sharpness that enhances complexity.
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Provides a warm herbaceous touch that ties all the flavors together.
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: The star ingredient for the dreamy, luscious sauce texture.
• 5 ounces fresh baby spinach: Adds vibrant color, freshness, and a slight earthiness.
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, savory creaminess that melts into the sauce perfectly.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. Draining it well and setting it aside lets you prepare the sauce and chicken without overcooking the noodles. The pasta acts as a perfect canvas to soak up the creamy, flavorful sauce you’re about to make.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season the bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper and lightly dredge them in flour. This simple coating helps the chicken brown beautifully, bringing golden color and adding a slight crispiness that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter along with olive oil, creating a rich base for cooking. Add the chicken pieces and cook them until they’re browned on the outside and cooked through inside. Once they’re perfectly cooked, remove them and set aside; their flavorful juices will season the sauce later.

Step 4: Sauté the Garlic

Using the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and cook it quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step awakens the garlic’s aroma and releases its flavor without letting it burn or turn bitter.

Step 5: Make the Sauce Base

Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and reduce slightly. This base adds savory richness with a bright, tangy finish that elevates the sauce’s complexity.

Step 6: Add the Cream

Slowly stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the sauce begins to thicken and turn luxuriously velvety, creating that unmistakable creaminess that makes this recipe so irresistible.

Step 7: Wilt the Spinach

Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook just until it wilts. This quick cook maintains spinach’s vibrant green color and delicate texture, adding freshness and a hint of earthiness to each bite.

Step 8: Melt in the Parmesan Cheese

Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the cheese fully melts and the sauce turns smooth. Parmesan adds an umami depth and a slightly nutty profile that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.

Step 9: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Return the browned chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat every piece and noodle beautifully in the sauce, ensuring a harmonious blend of textures and flavors with every forkful.

Step 10: Serve Warm

Serve this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Recipe while it’s warm and inviting, perfect for satisfying hungry appetites or impressing friends and family with your culinary skills!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

To take your dish to the next level, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a refreshing herbal lift. A few extra shavings of parmesan or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can add richness and a beautiful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This creamy, hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette are perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls, topped with microgreens or edible flowers for visual appeal. Alternatively, bake it briefly with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and breadcrumbs for a golden crispy crust the whole family will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day!

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container and consuming within 1 to 2 months. Defrost thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce seems a bit thick. This keeps the pasta creamy and prevents it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Recipe works well with most pasta shapes. Fusilli, penne, or even fettuccine are great options. Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Is it necessary to dredge the chicken in flour?

Dredging the chicken in flour helps create a nice golden crust and slightly thickens the sauce, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still enjoy a delicious meal.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

You can try using half-and-half or whole milk to lighten the sauce, but it won’t be as rich or thick. Adding a bit of cornstarch slurry can help restore the sauce’s creaminess if needed.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Recipe, simply omit the chicken and add mushrooms, artichokes, or chickpeas for extra protein and texture.

What can I do to make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer before adding the cheese, or mix a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir it in gradually until the desired thickness is achieved.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Recipe is such a wonderful dish to have in your meal rotation. It’s quick, comforting, and packed full of bright, creamy, and savory flavors that bring comfort with every bite. I guarantee once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a delicious dinner that feels like a warm embrace.

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