Weeknight • Pasta
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta
A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious cream sauce.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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When you need a hug in a bowl, this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta is here for you. It's incredibly satisfying, yet comes together quickly enough for even the busiest weeknights. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to every strand of pasta, making each bite pure comfort.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 tsp salt, plus more for pasta water
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) bag fresh spinach
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Preparation
Step 1
Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3
Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Add fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Carefully pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 5
Reduce heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Step 6
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- For a vegetarian option, swap out the chicken for a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or sautéed mushrooms.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely subtle warmth to this dish.
- Don't overcook the spinach – it wilts quickly, so add it last to maintain its vibrant color and texture.
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