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Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta

This Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta is the ultimate comfort food dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes, yet feels special enough for a weeknight treat or a cozy family dinner. Golden pan-fried chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious cream sauce make this pasta irresistible.

If you love this, check out my Chicken Bacon Spinach Pasta or Easy Creamed Spinach for even more creamy, comforting flavors.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Quick and easy for busy weeknights
  • Tender, golden chicken with a flavorful crust
  • Fresh spinach adds a bright pop of color and flavor
  • A touch of lemon juice and Dijon mustard elevates the sauce for a subtle, sophisticated twist
  • Loved by picky eaters, according to readers!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Pasta – Penne works perfectly, but any medium pasta will do
  • Chicken breasts – Cut into tender, bite-sized pieces
  • Flour – For a light, crispy coating on the chicken
  • Butter & olive oil – For pan-frying the chicken
  • Garlic – Adds savory depth
  • Chicken broth – Or swap for a dry white wine for an elegant variation
  • Lemon juice & Dijon mustard – Flavor boosters for the sauce
  • Italian seasoning – A convenient blend of dried herbs
  • Heavy cream – For a rich, velvety sauce
  • Spinach – Fresh baby spinach for color and nutrition
  • Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for the best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta – Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prep the chicken – Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and dredge in flour.
  3. Cook the chicken – Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden on the outside. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Make the sauce – In the same skillet, add garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let it bubble for a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  5. Combine everything – Return chicken to the skillet and add cream and spinach. Simmer until chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  6. Toss with pasta – Add drained pasta to the skillet, stir in parmesan, and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

  • Cream: For best results, use heavy cream—lower-fat options change the texture and flavor.
  • Spinach: Frozen spinach can be used; thaw and squeeze out excess water.
  • Extras: Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms are delicious additions.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy pasta with a warm dinner roll or fresh bread, like French or sourdough. For a full meal, serve with a crisp salad dressed with Homemade Ranch, Easy Italian Dressing, or Honey Mustard Dressing.

Storage

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
  • Reheat gently over low heat; add a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
  • Best served fresh, as spinach may wilt and sauce may lose creaminess when reheated.

This Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The golden chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach make it both hearty and fresh—perfect for busy weeknights or a simple, satisfying dinner.

Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 8 oz uncooked pasta
  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Flour, for dredging
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 5 oz fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and dredge in flour.
  3. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden on the outside. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let it bubble for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits.
  5. Return chicken to the skillet. Add cream and spinach. Simmer for 5 minutes until chicken is cooked and sauce thickens.
  6. Toss in the cooked pasta and stir in Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.