Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta

Creamy chicken spinach pasta combines tender golden chicken pieces with silky cream sauce and fresh spinach for a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. The rich, velvety sauce gets a flavor boost from a touch of lemon and Dijon mustard, creating layers of taste that make this simple dish feel special. This pasta strikes the perfect balance – indulgent enough for a weekend dinner but quick enough for busy weeknights.

I created this recipe on a night when I was craving something comforting but didn't have the energy for anything complicated. The first time I served it to my family, my husband took one bite and said, 'This needs to go in the regular rotation.' Even my son, who typically pushes spinach around his plate, devoured it completely. That's when I knew I had a winner on my hands! Now it's our go-to meal when we want something that feels special without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Pasta: Penne is my favorite for this dish because the ridges and hollow center capture the creamy sauce. Rotini or farfalle work beautifully too.
• Chicken breasts: Cutting them into bite-sized pieces ensures quick, even cooking and the perfect meat-to-sauce ratio in every bite.
• All-purpose flour: Creates a delicate crust on the chicken that helps thicken the sauce later.
• Butter and olive oil: This combination gives you the flavor of butter with the higher smoke point of oil, perfect for golden chicken.
• Fresh garlic: Provides that aromatic foundation that makes your kitchen smell amazing.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce while picking up all those flavorful browned bits from cooking the chicken.
• Lemon juice: Just a small amount brightens all the flavors without making it taste lemony.
• Dijon mustard: The secret ingredient that adds complexity without tasting mustardy.
• Italian seasoning: This herb blend brings wonderful flavor without having to measure multiple dried herbs.
• Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, velvety sauce that coats each piece of pasta perfectly.
• Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh element that balances the richness.
• Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty flavor that takes the sauce to the next level.

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How To Make Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta

Step 1:

Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for your pasta. Once boiling, add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 10-11 minutes. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Remember that the pasta will continue cooking slightly when added to the hot sauce, so it's better to err on the side of undercooking rather than overcooking.

Step 2:

While the pasta cooks, prepare your chicken. Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The seasoning at this stage is crucial because it layers flavor throughout the dish. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge the chicken pieces, shaking off any excess. This light coating will help the chicken brown beautifully and will also help thicken the sauce later.

Step 3:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add equal parts butter and olive oil - about 1 tablespoon of each. This combination gives you the flavor of butter but prevents it from burning, thanks to the olive oil's higher smoke point. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add the flour-coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.

Step 4:

Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until it develops a beautiful golden crust on all sides. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked through at this point as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Transfer the browned chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 5:

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown or burn, as this will make the sauce bitter. Immediately add the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release all those flavorful browned bits from cooking the chicken - this is where so much flavor lives!

Step 6:

Add the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let this mixture simmer for about 1 minute to reduce slightly and allow the flavors to meld. The combination of lemon and Dijon might seem unusual, but they work together to add brightness and depth without overpowering the dish.

Step 7:

Return the browned chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices on the plate - that's pure flavor! Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the fresh spinach. It will look like a lot at first, but will quickly wilt down to the perfect amount. Stir occasionally as the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 8:

By now, your pasta should be perfectly al dente. Drain it well, but don't rinse it - the starchy exterior helps the sauce cling better. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the creamy chicken and spinach sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce and the spinach and chicken are distributed throughout.

Step 9:

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring it through to melt. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The Parmesan adds a wonderful salty, nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Step 10:

Serve immediately in warm bowls, with additional Parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top. A little fresh cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice finishing touch for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

The beauty of this dish lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender, golden chicken provides satisfying protein, while the silky sauce coats each piece of pasta beautifully. The spinach adds a fresh element that cuts through the richness, making each bite interesting and balanced rather than heavy.

What makes this pasta dish special is the depth of flavor in the sauce. The combination of chicken broth, which picks up all the savory notes from the browned chicken, along with the bright acidity from the lemon juice and the subtle complexity from the Dijon mustard, creates a sauce that tastes like it took hours to develop, not minutes.

I love how versatile this recipe is throughout the year. In spring and summer, it feels light enough to enjoy on a warm evening, especially with a glass of crisp white wine. In fall and winter, it provides that comforting warmth that makes you want to curl up on the couch afterward. It's truly a year-round staple in our household.

I've found that the quality of your Parmesan makes a big difference in this recipe. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Taking the extra minute to grate your own results in a silkier texture and better flavor that's well worth the minimal effort.

My family has different preferences when it comes to this dish. My husband likes his with an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, while my daughter prefers hers with extra spinach. I sometimes add halved cherry tomatoes during the last minute of cooking for a pop of color and additional freshness. The recipe is incredibly adaptable to personal taste while still maintaining its comforting essence.

When I'm feeling particularly indulgent, I substitute half of the chicken broth with white wine. The wine adds another layer of flavor complexity that makes this simple pasta feel even more special. Just a note that the alcohol does cook off, leaving only the flavor behind.

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My final thought on this creamy chicken spinach pasta is that it perfectly embodies what home cooking should be – comforting, satisfying, and special without being complicated or time-consuming. There's something magical about transforming simple ingredients into a meal that makes everyone at the table feel cared for. Whether you're cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or serving friends for a casual dinner, this pasta delivers that perfect combination of ease and impression that makes cooking at home so rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it completely first and squeeze out all the excess moisture before adding it to the sauce, using about 1/2 cup of frozen spinach.

→ What kind of pasta works best with this sauce?

Medium shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle work great as they hold the creamy sauce well. Long pasta like fettuccine or linguine are also excellent choices.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can make it ahead. The sauce may thicken when refrigerated, so add a splash of cream or chicken broth when reheating gently on the stove.

→ How can I make this recipe lighter?

Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream and use less parmesan cheese. You can also increase the spinach for more vegetables and nutrients.

→ What can I serve with this pasta?

A simple green salad with vinaigrette or garlic bread makes a perfect complement. For a more substantial meal, add a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts.