Chicken Spinach Pasta is a deliciously comforting and wholesome dish that combines tender pieces of chicken, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy, flavorful sauce.
This recipe offers a balance of protein, greens, and carbs, making it a complete meal in one bowl. The spinach adds a burst of color and nutrition, while the chicken provides heartiness, and the pasta ties everything together with a satisfying bite.
It’s versatile enough for a quick weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. Ready in under 30 minutes, Chicken Spinach Pasta is a crowd-pleasing choice for busy families and pasta lovers alike.
Chicken Spinach Pasta is one of those comforting yet healthy meals that brings together the richness of tender chicken, the freshness of spinach, and the creamy or savory sauce coating every strand of pasta.
It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but still impressive enough to serve to guests. The combination of lean protein from chicken, fiber and vitamins from spinach, and satisfying carbs from pasta makes it a balanced dish.
You can prepare it with a creamy Alfredo-style sauce or keep it light with olive oil and garlic — this recipe strikes a happy medium with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that’s not too heavy.
Bright, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to pull together, Chicken Spinach Pasta is the kind of dish that turns ordinary weeknights into a small celebration. Tender, well-seasoned pieces of chicken meet a mound of wilted, vibrant spinach and perfectly cooked pasta, all coated in a silky sauce that balances richness with freshness. Garlic, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon or a touch of cream tie the flavors together, giving each bite depth without overwhelming the greens or the protein.
What makes this recipe so magnetic is its versatility. Use leftover roasted chicken for speed, or pan-sear fresh breasts for a golden, flavorful crust; choose penne, fusilli, or your favorite noodle shape — the sauce clings to them all. Add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes let you tailor the dish to your mood, while a generous grate of Parmesan or a dollop of ricotta adds comforting indulgence. For a lighter twist, swap cream for a splash of reserved pasta water to create a glossy, lighter coating that still feels luxurious.
Pin or bookmark this recipe if you love meals that are equal parts cozy and fresh. It’s family-friendly, nutritionally balanced when paired with a simple salad, and endlessly adaptable — the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta of choice until just al dente; before draining, scoop out and save about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
Pat the chicken strips dry and season them with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning so they develop flavor while browning.
Heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in a single layer until golden and cooked through (roughly 4–6 minutes), then transfer to a plate—don’t overcrowd the pan or you’ll lose that nice crust.
Drop the heat to medium and add more oil if required. Cook the finely chopped onion gently until it becomes soft and develops a faint sweetness. Stir in the minced garlic and ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, stirring just long enough for their fragrance to bloom without letting the garlic color.
Pour ½ cup chicken broth into the pan to lift the browned bits from the bottom, then let it reduce for a minute. Stir in the heavy cream and ½ cup grated Parmesan, lowering the heat to a gentle simmer and whisking until the sauce smooths and begins to thicken.
Pour in ½ cup chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits for depth of flavor. Let the broth simmer 1–2 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream and ½ cup grated Parmesan, lowering heat to a gentle simmer and whisking until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Add the fresh spinach leaves a handful at a time, stirring until they wilt and incorporate into the sauce; if the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until glossy and clingy.
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta and use tongs to toss everything together so the sauce evenly coats the noodles and chicken. Let the skillet sit over low heat for a minute so the flavors meld; add more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the texture is exactly how you like it.
Taste and tweak with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then finish by grating a little lemon zest over the top and sprinkling with chopped fresh parsley for brightness.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Chicken Spinach Pasta is one of those dishes that strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and healthy eating.
Tender pieces of chicken mingle with nutrient-rich spinach and hearty pasta, all bound together by a delicious sauce—whether creamy, garlicky, or tomato-based.
Below are expert tips, practical tricks, and creative serving ideas to make your dish restaurant-worthy.
With the right pasta choice, well-seasoned chicken, and perfectly wilted spinach, Chicken Spinach Pasta can be a versatile, delicious dish suitable for family dinners or special occasions.
By following these tips—like saving pasta water, adding spinach at the right moment, and balancing richness with freshness—you’ll end up with a plate of pasta that’s creamy, flavorful, and beautifully presented.
Serve it hot, with a little extra Parmesan on top, and you’ll have a meal that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome.
This Chicken Spinach Pasta brings together the heartiness of chicken, the freshness of spinach, and the indulgence of a creamy sauce — all in under 40 minutes. It’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
