This Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta is a rich, comforting, and flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights. Made with tender chicken, baby spinach, garlic, and a lemon-infused creamy Parmesan sauce, it’s a family-friendly meal that delivers on both taste and ease. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a quick pasta fix, this recipe is a winner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Flour, for dredging

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• ⅓ cup chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream

• 5 ounces fresh baby spinach

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, dredge lightly in flour.

3. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken until golden and no longer pink. Remove and set aside.

4. Remove skillet from heat. Add garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, mustard, and Italian seasoning. Return to heat and simmer for about 1 minute, scraping the pan.

5. Add chicken back to the skillet, followed by the cream and spinach. Cook for about 5 minutes until spinach is wilted and chicken is cooked through.

6. Stir in the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Toss well to combine.

7. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve immediately.

Nutrients

Estimated per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~550–650 kcal

• Protein: ~30g

• Fat: ~35g

• Carbohydrates: ~40g

• Calcium: From Parmesan and cream

• Iron & Vitamin A: From spinach

Why This Pasta Stands Out

Unlike some cream-based pasta dishes that feel overly heavy or one-dimensional, this recipe strikes a perfect balance. The brightness of lemon juice and the sharpness of Dijon mustard cut through the richness of the cream, while garlic and Italian seasoning provide depth and aroma. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty finish that ties all the flavors together. Each element enhances the others, creating a cohesive and crave-worthy pasta you’ll come back to again and again.

Tender Chicken Adds Protein and Hearty Texture

The chicken breast is lightly dredged in flour before cooking, which helps create a golden crust and gives the sauce something to cling to. Sautéing the chicken in a combination of olive oil and butter ensures it develops rich flavor while staying juicy. Once it’s seared and set aside, it’s reintroduced into the simmering sauce to soak up all the savory goodness. The result is a protein component that’s anything but bland—tender, flavorful, and perfectly integrated into the dish.

Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Luscious and Layered

At the heart of this pasta is the creamy Parmesan sauce, which comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered all day. A blend of garlic, chicken broth, cream, lemon juice, mustard, and Italian herbs creates a base that’s both rich and nuanced. The sauce thickens just enough to coat the pasta luxuriously without becoming too thick or overwhelming. Parmesan cheese is stirred in last, melting into the sauce to add body, flavor, and just the right hint of salt.

Fresh Spinach for Color, Nutrition, and Balance

One of the smartest components in this recipe is the addition of baby spinach. Its delicate texture means it wilts quickly in the sauce, while its earthy flavor and vivid color add contrast to the creamy components. Nutritionally, spinach contributes iron, fiber, and vitamins A and C, making this pasta more balanced and wholesome. It’s a simple addition that adds both freshness and complexity, ensuring each bite offers something new.

Pasta That’s Coated, Not Drowned

This dish is all about perfect proportions. The pasta is fully coated in sauce but not swimming in it, which means each bite delivers flavor without feeling overly heavy. You can use your pasta of choice—penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free varieties all work well. The starch from the pasta helps the sauce cling to every noodle, and tossing it with the cream and Parmesan right at the end ensures that nothing is left behind.

Endlessly Customizable for Your Pantry or Preferences

This recipe is a great starting point for personal touches. Want to boost the vegetables? Add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas. Prefer a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Need to stretch the meal further? Toss in more greens or double the chicken. You can even swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu depending on your needs. The flexibility of the recipe means it can suit a wide range of diets, preferences, and pantry limitations.

Elegant Enough for Guests, Easy Enough for Everyday

Despite its short ingredient list and quick prep, Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta has a presentation and flavor profile that makes it feel special. It’s the kind of dish you can serve to dinner guests with confidence, yet it’s easy enough to throw together after work. Pair it with a crisp salad and a glass of wine, and you’ve got a complete, elegant meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is entirely homemade.

Great for Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

This pasta keeps well in the fridge for a day or two, making it a great option for next-day lunches. The sauce may thicken slightly upon cooling, but a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating will bring it back to its original consistency. Because the spinach is already wilted and the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces, reheating is quick and simple—no soggy vegetables or rubbery meat here.

Nutritious and Satisfying in Equal Measure

With roughly 550 to 650 calories per serving, this pasta offers a solid mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbs. The chicken contributes lean protein, the cream and cheese add satiating fat, and the spinach supplies valuable nutrients. It’s a hearty meal that fills you up without leaving you sluggish. It also fits into a balanced weekly meal plan, offering indulgence and nutrition in a single dish.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta is everything you want in a home-cooked meal: fast, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. With its lemon-kissed Parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and fresh spinach, it’s a rich yet balanced dish that checks every box—comfort food without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, entertaining guests, or just indulging in a cozy night at home, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite. One skillet, one pot of pasta, and less than 30 minutes later, you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal that’s both simple and sensational.