Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta – Healthy Comfort Food in 30 Minutes

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to enjoy comfort food that feels both cozy and nourishing?

This Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta is a beautiful example of how simple, traditional ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s satisfying without being heavy. It’s the kind of meal that fits perfectly into busy modern life while still honoring the timeless idea of home cooking: warm, balanced, and made with care. 🍝💚

Chicken and pasta have long been staples in family kitchens, valued for their affordability, versatility, and ability to please everyone at the table. By adding fresh spinach and a light creamy sauce, this recipe transforms a classic pairing into something that feels wholesome and fresh. The spinach gently wilts into the sauce, adding color, nutrients, and a mild earthy flavor that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.

What truly makes this dish special is how quickly it comes together. In just 30 minutes, you can serve a meal that feels like it simmered all afternoon. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, relaxed weekends, or anytime you want comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down. The sauce is creamy but not overpowering, letting the garlic, chicken, and pasta shine in harmony.

This recipe is rooted in the belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated. With a few honest ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a dish that brings warmth, satisfaction, and a sense of well-being to your table. So take a deep breath, heat up the pan, and let’s cook something truly comforting.

🧄 Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Creamy Spinach Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-fat or regular heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups fresh spinach

For the Pasta

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes 🌶️
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic
   In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Make the sauce
   Pour in chicken broth and cream. Stir and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add cheese and spinach
   Reduce heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Add spinach and cook until just wilted.
6. Combine everything
   Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water if needed for a smooth, silky sauce.
7. Serve warm
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

🥗 Nutritional Information

This pasta strikes a comforting balance between indulgence and nutrition. Chicken provides lean protein, spinach adds iron and vitamins, and the creamy sauce keeps everything satisfying without excess heaviness. For an even lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk and increase the spinach. 🌿

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Baking Time: 20 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~450
🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!