High Protein Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this High Protein Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta—a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal that’s as wholesome as it is flavorful. Tender bites of juicy chicken breast are paired with hearty whole grain pasta and fresh baby spinach, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, coming together in just 40 minutes while delivering a punch of protein to keep you energized. Garlic and red pepper flakes add an irresistible depth of flavor, while the rich cream and low-sodium chicken broth achieve the perfect balance of indulgence and wellness. Whether you're fueling up after a workout or feeding the whole family, this one-pan pasta dish is a foolproof way to elevate your dinner game—serve it hot with an extra sprinkling of Parmesan for a restaurant-quality finish!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 12 ounces whole grain pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole grain pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes and season lightly with half of the salt and pepper.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6

Stir in the heavy cream and bring it back to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 7

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, along with the spinach leaves. Stir until the spinach is wilted.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Step 9

Season the sauce with the remaining salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 10

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 11

Serve the creamy chicken and spinach pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1478.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2595.7

Total Fat 152.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 73.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 705.6mg	0%
Sodium 4768.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 98.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.8g	0%
Total Sugars 4.0g
Protein 197.2g	0%

Vitamin D 22.7IU	0%
Calcium 1100.6mg	0%
Iron 13.6mg	0%
Potassium 2404.4mg	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: 53.7%

Protein: 30.9%

Carbs: 15.4%