This Chicken Spinach Pasta is a creamy, comforting dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan garlic sauce come together in one satisfying meal. Ready in about 35 minutes, this easy pasta recipe is family-friendly, packed with flavor, and simple enough for any home cook.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 35 minutes.
- Creamy homemade Parmesan garlic sauce.
- Packed with lean chicken and fresh spinach.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
- Easily made with gluten-free or whole wheat pasta.
- Restaurant-quality flavor using everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (gluten-free, whole wheat, or regular)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for several minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, and grated Parmesan until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce until evenly coated.
- Add the sliced chicken and gently toss everything together.
- Garnish the Chicken Spinach Pasta with chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming soft after mixing with the sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Thin chicken cutlets cook faster and stay juicy.
- Add mushrooms, broccoli, or roasted bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- For a little heat, stir in crushed red pepper flakes.
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 Notes: Halal-Friendly, Gluten-Free Option Available
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well for an even quicker meal.
- Replace spinach with kale if desired.
- Heavy cream can be substituted for milk for an even richer sauce.
- Store leftover Parmesan separately for serving.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 595
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
FAQ
Can I make Chicken Spinach Pasta ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the recipe and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, so add a splash of milk when reheating.
What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, rotini, and bowtie pasta all work beautifully with this creamy sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful and make an excellent substitute.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes, although cream-based sauces may separate slightly after thawing. Stir in a little milk while reheating to restore the creamy texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Similar Recipes
Chicken Spinach Pasta
Chicken Spinach Pasta is an easy 35-minute dinner featuring juicy chicken, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan garlic sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta gluten-free, whole wheat, or regular
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 –3 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk dairy or non-dairy
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for several minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, and grated Parmesan until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce until evenly coated.
- Add the sliced chicken and gently toss everything together.
- Garnish the Chicken Spinach Pasta with chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well for an even quicker meal.
- Replace spinach with kale if desired.
- Heavy cream can be substituted for milk for an even richer sauce.
- Store leftover Parmesan separately for serving.
Conclusion
This Chicken Spinach Pasta is the perfect combination of creamy comfort and wholesome ingredients. Tender chicken, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a silky Parmesan garlic sauce create an easy dinner that’s satisfying enough for family meals while elegant enough for entertaining. Once you make this simple pasta recipe, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your dinner rotation.