This creamy chicken spinach pasta is a tasty one-pan meal that’s oh-so-easy to whip up! With tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich sauce, it’s comfort food in every bite.
I love how quickly this dish comes together. Plus, the spinach makes it feel a bit fancy, even if I’m still in my pajamas while cooking! 😄 Pair it with garlic bread for a perfect dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Penne is great for this dish because its tube shape holds onto the sauce well. If you don’t have penne, you can use farfalle, fusilli, or any pasta you love. Whole wheat or gluten-free versions are excellent alternatives too!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep it lean and tender. You could swap in thighs for juicier meat or even use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives this dish a vibrant color and nutrients. If fresh isn’t available, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure it’s well-drained before adding it to the dish.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, try half-and-half or a mix of yogurt and milk. Coconut cream is a fun dairy-free substitute if you want a different flavor twist.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano works nicely, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option adds a cheesy flavor!
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce Doesn’t Curdle?
This creamy sauce is easy to make, but you want to prevent curdling for that smooth texture. Here are some helpful tips:
- Keep the heat moderate. Too high can cause the cream to separate.
- Introduce cream gradually. Mix it in slowly, allowing it to warm up gently alongside the other ingredients.
- If using a non-dairy substitute, choose one that’s specifically for cooking as they tend to handle heat better.
By following these simple steps, your creamy chicken spinach pasta will come together without a hitch, giving you a delightful and smooth sauce every time!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken spinach pasta recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping ingredients and cooking pasta, and the rest of the time will be spent sautéing and mixing everything together for a delicious and comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wide pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the garlic is fragrant. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
4. Add the Spinach:
Lower the heat to medium, then add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir and cook until the spinach has wilted, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer.
6. Finish the Sauce:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and thickens the sauce a little. You should have a creamy and luscious mixture!
7. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until all the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Season and Garnish:
Add extra salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Finally, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley right before serving.
And there you have it! Enjoy your creamy chicken spinach pasta as a delightful dinner that’s sure to please!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as farfalle, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose!
How Can I Store Leftover Pasta?
Store any leftover creamy chicken spinach pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish dairy-free! Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative for the sauce, and switch the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright touch. Fresh basil or thyme can also bring a wonderful herbal note to the dish!
