Why This Dish is a Weeknight Winner
When creamy meets wholesome, and comfort meets quick, you’ve got a dish worth repeating. This Creamy Spinach & Chicken Pasta is everything you want in a dinner: flavorful, satisfying, and ready in under 35 minutes. Packed with lean protein and greens, it’s a balanced one-pan meal the whole family can get behind.
In 2024, creamy pasta dishes with greens—especially spinach—are on the rise, with Google Trends showing a surge in searches for “chicken spinach pasta” and “healthy creamy pasta.” It’s not surprising: this dish feels indulgent while still delivering real nourishment.
Whether you’re feeding kids, prepping lunchboxes, or needing a cozy meal fast, this recipe checks every box.
What Makes This Pasta So Good
One-Pan Ease
Everything cooks in one skillet—less mess, less cleanup.
Protein + Greens
Chicken breast + spinach = nutrient-dense combo.
Comforting Texture
Creamy without being heavy thanks to milk + Parmesan.
Easy to Customize
Use your favorite pasta, swap in other greens, or add heat.
Great for Leftovers
Reheats like a dream—perfect for next-day lunches.
Ingredients and Smart Substitutions
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes and Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breast | 1 lb, diced | Chicken thighs or rotisserie also work |
| Olive oil | 2 Tbsp | Avocado or butter for richer flavor |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 | 1 tsp garlic powder in a pinch |
| Baby spinach | 4 cups (about 4 oz) | Kale or arugula as alternative greens |
| Pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli) | 12 oz | Whole wheat or gluten-free if needed |
| Chicken broth | 2 ½ cups | Use vegetable broth for lighter flavor |
| Milk (2% or whole) | 1 ½ cups | Half-and-half for a richer sauce |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ¾ cup | Pecorino or nutritional yeast for variation |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | Taste before adjusting—Parmesan is salty |
| Crushed red pepper (optional) | ¼ tsp | Adds a subtle kick |
Optional Add-ins
- ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- A squeeze of lemon for brightness
- Sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for deeper umami
How to Make Creamy Spinach & Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquids
Stir in the dry pasta, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and liquid mostly absorbed.
Step 4: Stir in Spinach and Chicken
Add spinach and cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir until spinach is wilted and everything is well combined, 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper if desired.
Step 6: Serve
Plate hot with extra Parmesan on top and freshly ground pepper. Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving – serves 4)
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Sodium | ~630 mg |
High in lean protein and calcium, with spinach contributing iron and vitamin A.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Cool completely, then freeze in single-serving portions. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk.
Reheating
Microwave for 2–3 minutes or warm in a skillet over medium heat with 2–3 Tbsp of liquid added.
Easy Variations
Low-Carb Option
Use chickpea or zucchini noodles and cut broth to 1 ¾ cups.
Vegetarian Version
Skip chicken and double the spinach or add sautéed mushrooms.
Extra Creamy
Add ¼ cup cream cheese or 2 Tbsp mascarpone at the end.
Spicy Twist
Stir in 1 Tbsp hot sauce or chili flakes.
Mediterranean-Inspired
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh basil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes—thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid watering down the sauce.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells hold the creamy sauce well. Avoid long noodles if cooking one-pot style.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use almond or oat milk + vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast. The sauce may be thinner but still flavorful.
Is it okay to use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Just stir it in with the spinach and heat until warmed through.
What sides go well with it?
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted broccoli are perfect complements.
Tag Your Creamy Creations
Try this Creamy Spinach & Chicken Pasta, capture a shot of that luscious sauce clinging to every bite, and tag @YourFoodBlog with #CreamyPastaNight. We repost reader favorites every Monday!
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