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Easy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe | Quick & Delicious Meal

I just made a warm, comforting bowl of easy chicken spinach pasta recipe, and I can’t wait to share the whole process with you. The creamy sauce hugged every piece of pasta so perfectly that I kept going back for “just one more bite.” The chicken turned out juicy, the spinach added a fresh pop of color, and everything came together in one pan — which made cleanup feel effortless.

This recipe is exactly the kind of meal I love for busy evenings: simple, flavorful, and reliable. Let me walk you through how I made it, so you can enjoy the same delicious results. If you enjoy pasta casseroles, you might also love this Italian Sausage Penne Casserole Recipe for a hearty twist.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this creamy chicken spinach pasta at home:

2 quarts water — for boiling the pasta evenly.
1 tablespoon kosher salt (divided) — seasons both the pasta water and the sauce.
8 ounces dried penne (about 2 ½ cups) — holds creamy sauce beautifully.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast — tender, lean, and cooks quickly.
¾ teaspoon black pepper (divided) — seasons both the chicken and the sauce.
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided) — used for sautéing chicken and garlic.
2 teaspoons minced garlic — adds aromatic depth.
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream — creates a rich, velvety sauce.
3 cups baby spinach, packed — wilts easily and adds nutrients.
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes — gives sweet-savory contrast.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese — melts into the sauce for a salty, savory finish.
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg — enhances the creaminess with a warm hint.
1 tablespoon sliced basil — fresh and aromatic for garnish.

Note: Serves 6 generous portions.

Variations

You can easily customize this recipe based on dietary needs or flavor preferences:

Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half; add a little cornstarch if needed for thickness.
Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a deeper, earthier flavor.
Use fresh diced tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a juicier texture.
Add a splash of white wine to enhance the creamy sauce with extra flavor depth. You can also enjoy a flavorful twist on chicken with Potato Cheddar BBQ Chicken Burgers Recipe for a meaty complement to this pasta.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large pot — for boiling the pasta.
Colander — to drain pasta and reserve water.
Large skillet — for cooking chicken and making the sauce.
Wooden spoon or spatula — for stirring and combining ingredients.

How to Make Easy Chicken Spinach Pasta

A simple recipe with a big flavor.

Cook the Pasta

Bring salted water to a boil and add the penne. Cook until al dente. Drain the pasta but set aside about a cup of pasta water — you’ll use it to adjust the sauce later.

Season and Cut the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. This gives even seasoning in every bite.

Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the skillet. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden. This quick sear adds delicious flavor. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic

Add the remaining oil and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to brown it too much, or it may turn bitter.

Add the Cream and Build the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t scorch.

Wilt the Spinach and Add Tomatoes

Add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. The spinach will wilt quickly, adding vibrant color and texture, while the tomatoes offer a chewy, tangy contrast.

Finish the Sauce with Cheese and Nutmeg

Turn off the heat and stir in Parmesan and nutmeg. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Combine Pasta and Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the sauce coats each piece perfectly.

Garnish and Serve

Finish with fresh basil for a bright, fragrant touch. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy goodness.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my own cooking experience, here’s what makes this recipe even more delicious:

I like to keep extra pasta water on hand—it helps me loosen the sauce just right.
Sometimes I add a pinch of onion powder with the garlic for a deeper flavor.
If I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, I sauté fresh tomatoes for one minute before adding the cream.
A tiny squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the rich sauce beautifully.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Spinach Pasta

This pasta dish shines all on its own, but you can elevate the presentation by serving it in warm pasta bowls. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan, a few basil ribbons, and a crack of black pepper on top. It also pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Nutritional Information

Approximate nutrition per serving:

Calories: 543
Protein: 26 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 34 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The sauce will thicken, but reheating with a splash of water or milk brings it back beautifully.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but creamy sauces may change slightly in texture. Freeze only when needed, using freezer-safe containers.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a little water or cream to loosen the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe checks all the boxes for a cozy yet easy weeknight dinner.

It’s quick and stress-free — done in about 35 minutes.
A perfect balance of creaminess, protein, and leafy greens.
Super flexible — swap pasta, greens, or dairy options with ease.
Comforting flavors that feel like restaurant quality at home.
Easy to adjust — add veggies, herbs, or spices to create new versions.

Ben Carraoli