This Chicken Spinach Pasta is a true restaurant-quality dish made easily at home. The tender bites of chicken, combined with a rich and velvety Parmesan sauce, create a mouthwatering experience. The addition of spinach adds freshness and color, while a hint of lemon juice brings a light, tangy balance to the creamy base. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is both comforting and sophisticated. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for guests. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying dinner!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes
- 1 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ pound Mezzi rigatoni (or penne/ziti)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups packed baby spinach (or up to 4 oz.)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Sauce:
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon each: basil, oregano, onion powder, parsley
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Directions:
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a measuring cup and set aside.
- Pat the chicken dry and season with lemon pepper seasoning.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the white wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits. Simmer until reduced by half (about 4 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Melt butter in the pan, then sprinkle in flour, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly add the sauce mixture in small splashes, stirring constantly to maintain a smooth consistency. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in cream cheese and grated Parmesan until fully melted.
- Add spinach and let it wilt, then stir in lemon juice.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 461 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love Chicken Spinach Pasta
Chicken Spinach Pasta is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the freshness of greens. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Rich and Creamy Texture – The sauce is made with Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and half-and-half, creating a smooth, velvety consistency that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Packed with Protein – Chicken adds a satisfying protein boost, making the dish more filling.
- Balanced with Greens – The addition of spinach brings a fresh and slightly earthy taste while providing vitamins and nutrients.
- Customizable – You can modify the ingredients to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand.
- Quick and Easy – This dish comes together in about 30-40 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
The Magic Behind the Ingredients
The Chicken: Tender and Flavorful
Using boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures that the dish remains lean and healthy while still being satisfying. To elevate its taste, the chicken is seasoned with lemon pepper seasoning, which adds a citrusy brightness and a mild heat. The chicken is first seared to develop a golden-brown crust, locking in moisture and giving it a deep, rich flavor.
The Pasta: The Perfect Base
This dish is best made with short pasta shapes like Mezzi Rigatoni, penne, or ziti, as they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. If you prefer, you can use whole wheat pasta for added fiber or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
The Creamy Parmesan Sauce
The star of this dish is its rich and cheesy sauce. Made with Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, butter, and half-and-half, the sauce is indulgent yet well-balanced. A touch of lemon juice cuts through the richness, adding a refreshing brightness to each bite.
To enhance the depth of flavor, the recipe includes:
- Garlic – Adds aromatic warmth.
- White wine – Helps deglaze the pan and adds a subtle acidity. (Chicken broth can be used as a substitute.)
- Hot sauce, soy sauce, and mustard powder – These hidden flavor boosters create a more complex and satisfying taste without being overpowering.
The Spinach: A Healthy Addition
Fresh baby spinach is a fantastic addition to this pasta. It wilts into the sauce effortlessly, adding color, texture, and a boost of nutrients, including iron, fiber, and antioxidants. If you’re looking for alternatives, kale or arugula can be used instead.
Expert Cooking Tips for the Best Results
-
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating Parmesan from a block ensures a creamier, richer sauce. -
Sear the Chicken for More Flavor
Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat creates a golden crust, sealing in moisture and enhancing the overall taste of the dish. -
Add the Sauce Slowly
When incorporating the sauce ingredients, add them in small splashes while stirring continuously. This technique helps maintain a smooth and thick consistency. -
Balance the Richness with Lemon Juice
The acidity of lemon juice cuts through the creaminess, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy. Add it at the end to maintain its bright, fresh taste. -
Don’t Overcook the Spinach
Spinach wilts quickly, so it should be added toward the end of cooking to retain its texture and color.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this dish is how adaptable it is. Here are some ways to modify it based on your dietary preferences and taste preferences:
1. Protein Variations
- Swap chicken for shrimp – The delicate sweetness of shrimp pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Use Italian sausage – For a heartier, more robust flavor.
- Make it vegetarian – Omit the chicken and add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers for a plant-based version.
2. Healthier Alternatives
- Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter sauce.
- Substitute whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Increase the spinach or add other vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini.
3. Spice It Up
- Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Use smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
What to Serve with Chicken Spinach Pasta
This creamy pasta dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes to create a complete meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up every last bit of the sauce.
- Crisp Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for a flavorful side.
- White Wine – A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy texture beautifully.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pasta for up to 3 months, though the texture may change slightly after thawing.
Best Ways to Reheat:
- Stovetop: Warm the pasta over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy consistency.
- Microwave: Use the melt setting or heat at 50% power, stirring occasionally.
- Double Boiler: If you want to preserve the sauce’s silkiness, a makeshift double boiler works best.
Conclusion:
Chicken Spinach Pasta is the ultimate combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors with a touch of freshness from the spinach. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that works for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.
The best part? You can tailor this dish to your preferences switching up proteins, adding extra veggies, or adjusting the level of creaminess to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this pasta is guaranteed to be a hit.
