Chicken and Spinach Pasta
A quick, healthy, and delicious Chicken and Spinach Pasta recipe combining tender chicken breast, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this meal is easy to prepare, packed with lean protein and leafy greens, and offers rich flavors with minimal ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
Pasta
- 250 grams penne, fusilli, or preferred pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 cups fresh spinach, rinsed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy and Sauces
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Season diced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Rinse fresh spinach thoroughly and mince the garlic cloves.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set pasta aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
- Cook the Garlic and Spinach: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add fresh spinach and cook just until wilted and bright green.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Optionally, add chili flakes for heat.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce as needed. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the Chicken and Spinach Pasta immediately, garnish with extra Parmesan, herbs, or black pepper as desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Choose fresh spinach for better texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook chicken; cook until just done to keep it juicy.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a silky finish.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal flavor and melting.
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness when combined with the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, spinach pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, healthy pasta, weeknight meal
Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/chicken-and-spinach-pasta/