Chicken Spinach Pasta

Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of Chicken Spinach Pasta, a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender slices of seasoned chicken breast pair beautifully with al dente pasta and fresh, vibrant baby spinach, all enveloped in a luscious, garlic-infused cream sauce made with parmesan cheese and a hint of Italian seasoning. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing taste. Customize the spice level with optional red pepper flakes, and finish with extra parmesan for a decadent touch. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this pasta recipe will quickly become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 12 ounces pasta (e.g., penne or fettuccine)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board. Slice into thin strips after resting.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7

Add the butter and grated parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 8

Season the sauce with additional salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), adjusting to taste.

Step 9

Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything together to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 10

Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1441.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2660.6

Total Fat 172.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 86.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 677.8mg	0%
Sodium 4729.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 94.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.3g	0%
Total Sugars 3.3g
Protein 164.0g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 1107.5mg	0%
Iron 11.3mg	0%
Potassium 1241.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.0%

Protein: 25.4%

Carbs: 14.7%