There are few meals more comforting than a big bowl of pasta, especially when it’s coated in a luscious creamy garlic sauce and paired with tender chicken and fresh spinach. Creamy Garlic Chicken & Spinach Pasta is the perfect recipe to enjoy on a cozy evening at home, when you’re craving something hearty yet wholesome. Imagine twirling forkfuls of perfectly cooked pasta, each bite balanced with rich creaminess, savory chicken, and the earthy freshness of spinach—it’s a dish that satisfies on every level.
This recipe was inspired by the kind of home-cooked meals that bring families together. Growing up, pasta nights were always a highlight in many households, and variations of creamy chicken pasta have long been a beloved tradition across kitchens worldwide. By adding a simple twist with spinach and garlic, this dish becomes not only more flavorful but also more nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a special family gathering, or meal-prepping for busy days, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to easy pasta dinners, this recipe checks all the boxes. Here’s why you’ll love making it:
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Rich and Creamy Flavor: The garlic-infused cream sauce clings to every strand of pasta, creating a luxurious bite.
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Balanced Nutrition: With lean chicken breast and fresh spinach, you’re getting both protein and greens in one dish.
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Quick and Simple: This recipe takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the creamy sauce and tender chicken pieces.
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Versatile: Works with different pasta shapes, proteins, or add-ins depending on what you have in your pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta, you’ll need a few staple ingredients you likely already have at home.
For the Pasta
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12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work best)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt, for pasta water
For the Chicken
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
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3 tablespoons butter
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5–6 fresh garlic cloves, minced
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups fresh spinach leaves
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Salting the water is important because it seasons the pasta from the inside out, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Once the water reaches a rapid boil, add your pasta of choice—penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work wonderfully in this recipe. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together and cook until al dente, following the package instructions for timing. Remember, “al dente” means the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite in the center. Before draining, carefully scoop out and reserve about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water. This liquid is a secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency later on. Drain the pasta well, toss it lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent clumping, and set it aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, turn your attention to the chicken. Place the bite-sized chicken breast pieces into a medium bowl and season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend of spices creates a flavorful coating that enhances the chicken without overpowering the creamy sauce. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer. Allow it to sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust before stirring. Continue cooking for an additional 4–5 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally, until they are cooked through and no longer pink inside. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside while you build the sauce.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt, scraping up any browned bits left behind from the chicken—this adds extra flavor to the sauce. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can turn bitter quickly. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. The roux acts as a thickener for the sauce. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating the base for your creamy sauce.
4. Add the Cream and Cheese
Once the broth and roux have blended into a smooth sauce, slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously as the sauce becomes rich and velvety. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese melts completely. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed. If you enjoy a touch of spice, this is the perfect moment to add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The result should be a luscious, creamy garlic sauce with layers of flavor.
5. Incorporate Spinach and Chicken
Now, add the fresh spinach leaves directly into the simmering sauce. Stir gently and let them wilt for about 2–3 minutes. The spinach will shrink down considerably while adding freshness and nutrients to the dish. Once the spinach is tender but still vibrant green, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together, making sure each piece of chicken is coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, chicken, and spinach. Toss gently using tongs or a wooden spoon until the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a bit of the reserved pasta water. The starchy liquid will loosen the sauce without making it watery, helping it cling perfectly to the pasta.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is well combined, your creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta is ready to serve. Transfer portions to bowls or plates, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, and finish with a crack of freshly ground black pepper. For an even more satisfying meal, pair it with warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the comforting, flavorful goodness in every bite.
Tips for Success
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Cook Pasta Al Dente: Since the pasta will continue to absorb sauce in the skillet, slightly undercooking it helps prevent mushiness.
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Use Fresh Garlic: While garlic powder works in a pinch, freshly minced garlic gives the sauce its bold flavor.
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Don’t Overcook Spinach: Add the spinach at the very end so it remains vibrant and doesn’t turn soggy.
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Make Ahead: Cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then reheat and toss with pasta just before serving.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun variations:
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Mushroom Addition: Add sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra depth of flavor.
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Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy contrast.
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Cheese Lovers’ Version: Use a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella for extra creaminess.
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Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
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Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for variety.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Chicken & Spinach Pasta
This pasta is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with the right sides elevates the meal:
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Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up leftover sauce.
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Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
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Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
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Classic Appetizers: Bruschetta or Caprese salad makes a fresh starter.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: This dish can be frozen, but the cream sauce may slightly separate when thawed. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the sauce may curdle.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best because they hold the creamy sauce well, you can also use long noodles like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine. When using long pasta, make sure to stir frequently as it cooks to prevent sticking. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta type, so keep an eye on it and taste for doneness. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash are excellent alternatives that pair beautifully with the garlic cream sauce.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish dairy-free without sacrificing flavor. Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast instead of traditional Parmesan cheese. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift slightly, but it will still be rich, creamy, and satisfying. For extra creaminess, consider adding a tablespoon of dairy-free butter or olive oil when making the sauce.
3. What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
No worries! Frozen spinach is a convenient substitute. Before adding it to the sauce, thaw the spinach completely and squeeze out any excess water. This prevents the sauce from becoming too watery. Frozen spinach is just as nutritious as fresh, and it blends seamlessly into the creamy garlic sauce, giving the pasta a vibrant green color and a subtle, earthy flavor.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free thickener, such as cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Mix the thickener with a small amount of liquid before adding it to the sauce to avoid clumping. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture that’s just as delicious as the original version.
