Cheesy Chicken Spinach Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying meal everyone will adore. Imagine tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and pasta swimming in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s both elegant and easy to make. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for weekend guests. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Let’s explore how to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.

7 Reasons This Cheesy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe is a Game-Changer

This particular recipe stands out because it combines convenience with gourmet taste. You get a complete, balanced meal in one pan, which means less cleanup and more enjoyment. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to every piece of pasta, chicken, and spinach. It’s a foolproof method that guarantees delicious results every single time. The process is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. For a deeper dive into the science of creating perfect cheese sauces, this resource on cheese sauce preparation offers excellent foundational knowledge.

Another reason this dish is revolutionary is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit different dietary needs or personal preferences. The flavor profile is rich and complex, yet the ingredient list remains simple and affordable. This Cheesy Chicken Spinach Pasta is the answer to the eternal question of what to make for dinner. It’s a recipe that feels both indulgent and somehow still wholesome.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set it aside. Remember to salt your pasta water generously for the best flavor.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds incredible depth of flavor to your sauce.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Gradually whisk in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the fresh spinach and cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring until the spinach has wilted.
7. Finally, add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the luxurious cheesy sauce. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

Storage Tips

Allow any leftovers of your Cheesy Chicken Spinach Pasta to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, but it will still taste fantastic.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to a saucepan with the pasta. Warm it over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. For more ideas, check out our guide on Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake,Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture.

5 Incredible Health Benefits You Get From This Dish

This meal isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutritional value. The combination of lean protein, healthy greens, and complex carbs creates a balanced plate. You’re getting a wide array of vitamins and minerals in every single bite. It’s a meal that truly satisfies both your taste buds and your body’s needs.

• High-Quality Protein: The chicken provides essential amino acids for muscle repair and keeps you feeling full for hours.
• Iron and Vitamins: Spinach is a powerhouse of iron, vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate, supporting everything from blood health to vision.
• Calcium for Bones: The cheese delivers a significant dose of calcium, which is crucial for strong bones and teeth.
• Sustained Energy: The complex carbohydrates from the pasta provide long-lasting energy without a sugar crash.
• Antioxidant Power: Garlic and onions contain antioxidants that support your immune system and overall health. For more on the specific benefits of spinach, check out this research on dark leafy greens from a trusted source.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common pitfall is overcooking the pasta. Since it will be added to the sauce and heated further, you want to cook it just to al dente. Otherwise, it can become mushy and lose its perfect texture. Always taste your pasta a minute or two before the package’s suggested time is up.

Another mistake is adding the cheese to a sauce that is too hot. High heat can cause cheese to separate and become greasy. Make sure your sauce is at a low simmer or even off the heat when you stir in the cheeses. Add them gradually, allowing each addition to melt smoothly before adding more.

Don’t skip searing the chicken properly. That golden-brown crust is packed with flavor. If you crowd the pan, the chicken will steam instead of sear. For more ideas, check out our guide on Packed Chicken Tacos. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets beautifully browned.

Alternatives and Variations

If you want to switch things up, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and other components remain exactly the same. You won’t miss the regular pasta one bit.

For a different protein, try using shrimp or Italian sausage instead of chicken. Both options work wonderfully with the creamy sauce and spinach. You could also add sun-dried tomatoes or sliced mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for the heavy cream. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still wonderfully creamy. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations, like adding a bit of sharp cheddar or creamy fontina.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Cheesy Chicken Spinach Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a reliable solution for countless dinner situations. It’s the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. The combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors is simply irresistible. IMO, it’s a perfect example of how simple cooking can yield spectacular results.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own. For more inspiration on creating balanced and delicious family meals, explore the MyPlate guidelines. This Cheesy Chicken Spinach Pasta is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Happy cooking!

Nessy recipes

Cheesy Chicken Spinach Pasta

This creamy Cheesy Chicken Spinach Pasta blends tender chicken, fresh spinach, and penne in a rich, cheesy sauce. Easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite packed with protein, greens, and indulgent flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• to taste Salt and black pepper

Equipment

• large skillet or Dutch oven
• wooden spoon
• colander
• measuring cups and spoons
• chef’s knife

Method

 

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set it aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits for flavor.
5. Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low for 3–4 minutes to meld flavors.
6. Whisk in mozzarella and Parmesan gradually until sauce is smooth. Add spinach and cooked chicken, stir until spinach wilts.
7. Return cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 45gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 760mgPotassium: 670mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2800IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 420mgIron: 2.4mg

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use GF pasta. To lighten the sauce, swap heavy cream for half-and-half. Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for more flavor. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!