Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Name: Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine pasta; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, diced; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Cozy Hearth Meals | Soul-Warming

I absolutely love preparing Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta, especially on busy weeknights when I need something both quick and comforting. The rich, creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and fresh spinach creates a delightful meal that feels indulgent yet is simple to make. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress my family and friends, while also fitting seamlessly into my schedule. Plus, with just one pot needed for preparation, cleanup is a breeze, making this dish a true winner in my kitchen!

Created by

Marco

Last updated on 2026-01-20T14:14:28.351Z

When I first created this recipe, I wanted to highlight the flavors of fresh spinach alongside creamy, decadent sauce that wraps around the pasta. I experimented with different herbs and spices, and I found that just a hint of garlic and onion can elevate the dish to new heights. Each bite of chicken, pasta, and spinach mingled together transports me back to my favorite Italian restaurants.

I also discovered that using freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a significant difference in the flavor profile. It melts beautifully into the sauce and adds a layer of richness that's hard to resist. This isn't just a meal; it's a comforting embrace on a plate!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy, luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta
Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and a healthy twist
Quick and easy recipe that makes weeknight meals stress-free

      

Mastering the Sauce

The creamy sauce in this dish is the star, and getting it right is essential for a delicious meal. When you pour in the heavy cream, make sure to bring it to a gentle simmer, which helps the lactose in the cream to meld beautifully with the flavors from the chicken and spices. This slow heating process allows the Parmesan cheese to melt thoroughly, incorporating into the sauce without clumping, creating that luxurious texture you want. If the sauce begins to bubble too aggressively, reduce your heat to maintain a steady simmer.

For the best flavor, consider grating your Parmesan cheese fresh from the block rather than using pre-grated options. Freshly grated cheese melts better and yields a creamier sauce. If you're in a pinch, however, a good quality pre-grated Parmesan will suffice, but be mindful to add it slowly to avoid clumps.

Should your sauce turn out thicker than desired, don’t hesitate to rescue it with reserved pasta water, which not only loosens it but also adds starch, helping the sauce adhere better to the pasta. Aim for a silky consistency that lightly coats the strands of fettuccine.

Spinach: Fresh and Vibrant

Spinach serves more than just a pop of color in this pasta. It’s a nutrient powerhouse, rich in iron, calcium, and antioxidants. Adding it to the dish not only boosts the nutritional profile but also enhances the texture with its tender leaves. Be sure to add it at the end to allow it to wilt without losing its vibrant green hue—a process that takes only 2-3 minutes. Overcooking can result in a mushy texture and dull color.

If you want to make this dish more robust, consider adding other leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard, which can provide additional flavor and nutrients. Just remember that these greens may require a slightly longer cooking time to soften up adequately. For a milder taste, opt for baby spinach, which wilts down quickly and incorporates seamlessly into the sauce.

Should you desire a bit of variety, tossing in some cherry tomatoes just before serving adds a lovely burst of flavor and color. Their sweetness contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy sauce and the savory chicken.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started on this delicious dish:

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's dive into the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your perfect Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta:

Cook the pasta

In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.

Sauté the chicken

In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add onions and garlic

Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, around 2-3 minutes.

Create the sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Mix in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.

Combine all ingredients

Add the cooked pasta and chopped spinach to the sauce. Toss everything together gently until the spinach is wilted and well combined.

Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your homemade meal!

Pro Tips

For a little extra flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes for a hint of heat or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for freshness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. For storing, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. You may need to add a splash of heavy cream or broth to revive the creaminess as you reheat.

If you're planning on making this dish in advance, consider preparing the base components separately. For instance, cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When it's time to serve, simply combine everything in the pot with the sauce and heat until warmed through. This approach ensures that your pasta remains al dente and not mushy, particularly if you might be serving this dish to guests.

Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which can split and become grainy upon thawing. If you must freeze, consider making the chicken and spinach separately and serving them with freshly cooked pasta later.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

To elevate your meal, serve Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and additional grated Parmesan on top. A dash of red pepper flakes can also add a delightful kick that contrasts well with the creamy sauce. Pair it with a simple side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing balance to the richness of the pasta.

For a fun twist, you can incorporate seasonal vegetables or proteins. Adding baby bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or cooked shrimp can introduce new flavors and textures. Feel free to experiment with herbs—fresh basil or arugula can lend a vibrant freshness and complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

Moreover, if you ever find yourself with leftover sauce, it can also be repurposed for a delicious lasagna or as a base for creamy soups. Just thicken it further with some additional cheese or reduce it on low heat to achieve a new culinary creation!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape you enjoy will work well in this recipe.

→ Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, but it's best enjoyed fresh. You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and combine them with cooked pasta just before serving.

→ Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter option.

→ What can I substitute for chicken?

Feel free to replace the chicken with shrimp or even a plant-based protein for a different twist!