Chicken and Spinach Pasta

My easy Chicken & Spinach Pasta is a flavorful, hearty dish that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. This recipe builds layers of flavor with seasoned, pan-fried chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a light, creamy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. With a smart mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can bring this satisfying meal together quickly without sacrificing flavor.

Chicken & Spinach Pasta

Quick pasta recipes are our JAM here. I could never go low-carb because I just love pasta way too much. Our daughter is allergic to potatoes, so we don’t eat them much around here, which leaves our staple grains to be pasta or rice, for the most part.

This recipe is easy, but there’s a few tricks and tips that’ll make sure your final dish is as delicious as it possible can be.

Cooking the chicken in a hot skillet first creates a fond (a layer of flavor on the pan) that gets absorbed back into the dish during sauce-making. That, as well as taking the time to properly brown the mushrooms really adds a lot to the final result. It’s a restaurant-quality pasta that comes together right on your stovetop.

Choosing a sturdy pasta shape like penne or rigatoni works well for this sauce, as it holds onto the creamy, cheesy mixture without becoming soggy. A quick dusting of flour on the chicken ensures it gets a slight crust, helping it stay juicy after cubing and tossing with the pasta.

The final touch of heavy cream and parmesan melts into the sauce, tying everything together in a silky, savory coating. It’s filling, flavorful, and easy enough to make any night of the week feel a little more special.

Try this Gigi Hadid Pasta recipe, too! It went viral on TikTok and for good reason. It is delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Quick and Satisfying – Ready in under an hour with rich, balanced flavors.
• Fresh Ingredients – Spinach, mushrooms, and onions add vibrant color and texture.
• One-Pan Sauce – Builds flavor without needing multiple pots and pans.
• Flexible Flavors – Easily adjust the wine, cream, or veggies to suit your taste.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home – A creamy, savory dish that feels special without the hassle.

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Chicken and Spinach Pasta Shopping List

Wondering if you have to hit the grocery store or if you have all the ingredients you need for this? Check out this list! For the full ingredients list, including the amounts you’ll need, make sure to scroll to the bottom and view the recipe card.

Ingredients

• Pasta – Use sturdy shapes like penne or rigatoni to hold the creamy sauce well.
• Avocado oil – A neutral oil with a high smoke point, perfect for pan-frying chicken.
• Chicken Breast – Pounded thin for even cooking and tender texture.
• Salt – Enhances the chicken and sauce flavors.
• Pepper – Adds gentle heat and depth.
• Onion Powder – Layers subtle, savory notes into the chicken.
• Garlic Powder – Boosts the aromatic flavor base.
• Flour – Lightly coats the chicken, helping it brown beautifully.
• Butter – Adds richness to the sauce and helps cook the vegetables.
• Onions – Sweetens and deepens the sauce as it cooks down.
• Garlic – Brings sharp, fresh flavor.
• Mushrooms – Earthy and savory, they add meatiness to the dish.
• Baby Spinach – Tender greens that wilt beautifully into the sauce.
• White Wine – Adds acidity and depth; choose a dry wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Pasta Water – Helps thin and emulsify the sauce while boosting flavor.
• Heavy Cream – Creates a silky, rich finish without overpowering.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce for salty, nutty richness.

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How to Make Chicken Pasta with Spinach

Looking to see what you’re getting into here? Below is a general overview of the recipe steps. When you’re cooking, make sure to use the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full instructions.

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions, reserving some pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Pound the chicken breast to 1/2 inch thick. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder, then dust with flour. Heat avocado oil in a skillet and brown the chicken on both sides.
3. Cook Vegetables: Remove the chicken and let it rest. Add butter to the skillet along with diced onions and mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms are browned and onions are soft.
4. Build the Sauce: Add spinach and white wine to the pan, cover, and steam briefly. Stir in the reserved pasta water and let it simmer.
5. Finish and Serve: Cube the chicken and mix into the sauce. Add the pasta, heavy cream, and parmesan. Stir until evenly coated. Season to taste and serve hot.

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FAQ

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Pasta may absorb some sauce, so you might want to add a splash of cream or water when reheating.

How do I reheat this pasta?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring in a bit of extra cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too, but stir halfway through for even heating.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can cook the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately and assemble the final dish fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.

Are there variations or substitutions?

Swap the chicken for shrimp, or use baby kale instead of spinach. To skip the wine, replace it with extra pasta water and a splash of lemon juice for acidity.

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Serve This With…

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Simple Arugula Salad – Peppery greens balance the rich pasta.
• Roasted Asparagus – Adds a crisp, fresh side to complement the creamy dish.
• Lemon-Parmesan Broccoli – Bright and cheesy, pairs naturally with the pasta.

Chicken & Spinach Pasta is the kind of meal that feels comforting and rewarding without being overly complicated. It’s creamy, savory, fresh, and easy to adapt based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a quiet evening or feeding a hungry group, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

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