Chicken Spinach Pasta is a quick, creamy, and comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a rich sauce, this easy recipe brings big flavor to your table with minimal effort.
Why We Love This Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe
You will be delighted to know that this Chicken Spinach Pasta recipe checks all the boxes for a healthy and hearty meal. It’s packed with protein from the chicken, vibrant green nutrition from the spinach, and has a creamy texture thanks to the cheese and sauce. The Italian seasoning and garlic add a fragrant touch, making the dish even more enticing. The best part? It’s versatile. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Plus, with its gluten-free and whole wheat options, everyone can enjoy this meal without compromising on flavor. It’s a family-friendly dish that brings comfort and satisfaction, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Ingredients for Chicken Spinach Pasta
To create this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 12 ounces gluten-free or whole wheat pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 ounces dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
- 2 cups milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups uncooked spinach
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley
Gather all these ingredients before you start cooking, as it will make the preparation process smoother.
How to Make Chicken Spinach Pasta
Creating Chicken Spinach Pasta is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps to bring this dish to life:
Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. This usually involves boiling water, adding the pasta, and cooking until al dente. Once that’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
Prepare the Chicken: While your pasta is cooking, you can focus on the chicken. Rub the boneless, skinless chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance its flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breast to the pan. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Once it’s done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step is important as it infuses the oil with flavor.
Make the Cream Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, milk, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet with the garlic and dried tomatoes. Allow it to bubble and thicken.
Add the Spinach: Stir in the uncooked spinach and cook for another couple of minutes until it wilts.
Combine with Pasta and Chicken: Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the pan. Toss everything together until well combined.
Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the dish with minced parsley and a bit of black pepper. Serve immediately, and enjoy the comforting flavors of your newly created Chicken Spinach Pasta.
This method ensures that every ingredient retains its unique taste while contributing to the overall dish.
How to Serve Chicken Spinach Pasta
When it comes to serving Chicken Spinach Pasta, presentation is key. Start by placing a generous portion on each plate. The contrast between the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach makes for an attractive meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a fresh flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
For an elevated dining experience, consider pairing your Chicken Spinach Pasta with a simple side salad. A mix of greens with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the pasta. Additionally, crusty bread or garlic bread makes a perfect companion to soak up any remaining sauce on your plate. Enjoy your delicious meal with family or friends, making sure to savor every bite of this delightful dish.
Expert Tips: Chicken Spinach Pasta
To ensure your Chicken Spinach Pasta turns out perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking your pasta to an al dente texture gives it a firm bite, which works well in the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper when seasoning your chicken. Proper seasoning is key to enhancing all the flavors in your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh spinach and garlic. Fresh ingredients elevate the taste and texture of your dish significantly.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan cheese is used in this recipe, feel free to try different cheeses for a unique twist. Mozzarella or Asiago can also work beautifully.
- Maintain the Creaminess: If your sauce becomes too thick, a little bit of extra milk can help achieve the desired creamy consistency.
By applying these tips, you will elevate your cooking and make your Chicken Spinach Pasta a memorable meal for anyone who gets to enjoy it.
How to Store Chicken Spinach Pasta
If you happen to have leftover Chicken Spinach Pasta, you can store it for later enjoyment. Place the cooled pasta in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should remain fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. This makes for a quick lunch or dinner option on busy days.
For longer storage, it’s advisable to freeze the pasta. Seal it in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat.
Variation of Chicken Spinach Pasta
There are endless possibilities for variations to this Chicken Spinach Pasta, so you can customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity:
- Add More Vegetables: You can incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added color and nutrition. Simply sauté them along with garlic before adding the sauce.
- Use Different Proteins: If you’re looking to mix it up, try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. This will add a subtle kick to your dish.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, like basil or thyme, to change the flavor profile. Fresh herbs added just before serving can bring a new freshness to your pasta.
- Nutty Flavor: For a nutty taste, consider topping your dish with toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
With these variations, you can enjoy Chicken Spinach Pasta in many delightful ways, making it a dish you will never tire of preparing.
FAQ about Chicken Spinach Pasta
Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of gluten-free?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta works wonderfully in this recipe and adds a nice nutty flavor.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure they are in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! This Chicken Spinach Pasta is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in individual portions for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Definitely! To make it dairy-free, use a non-dairy milk and substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.
Chicken Spinach Pasta
Ingredients
For the pasta
- 12 ounces gluten-free or whole wheat pasta
For the chicken and seasoning
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the sauce and vegetables
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 ounces dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
- 2 cups milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups uncooked spinach
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Rub the boneless, skinless chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken breast for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove and let rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Whisk together gluten-free flour, milk, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl until smooth. Add to the skillet and allow to bubble and thicken.
- Stir in uncooked spinach and cook for another couple of minutes until it wilts.
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the pan. Toss until well combined.
Serving
- Just before serving, sprinkle with minced parsley and black pepper. Serve immediately.