This Simple Chicken Pasta Recipe is the perfect creamy, comforting dish for busy weeknights. With tender seasoned chicken, a rich garlic cream sauce, and fresh spinach, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and full of flavor
- Easy to make in under 40 minutes
- Family-friendly and satisfying
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 10 oz pasta (penne preferred)
For the chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 cups cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and spinach, cooking until softened.
- Lower heat and pour in cream. Stir in parmesan and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Add chicken and pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding pasta water if needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Simple Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother sauce
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy
- Add pasta water gradually to adjust sauce consistency
- Substitute spinach with kale if desired
- Use whole cream for the richest texture
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad
- You can use gluten-free pasta if needed
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 32g
FAQ
Can I make this Simple Chicken Pasta Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and is great for meal prep.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. Add a little flour or cheese to thicken.
What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni all work well.
Can I make it spicy?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili paste.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, but cream-based sauces may slightly change texture after thawing.
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream
Similar Recipes
Simple Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 10 oz pasta penne preferred
For the chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup tomatoes diced
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 cups cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and spinach, cooking until softened.
- Lower heat and pour in cream. Stir in parmesan and red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Add chicken and pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding pasta water if needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Simple Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Notes
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad
- You can use gluten-free pasta if needed
Conclusion
This Simple Chicken Pasta Recipe is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family or just need a quick comforting meal, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.