Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 people
Ingredients: 12 oz Penne Pasta; 1 lb Chicken Breast; 5 oz Fresh Spinach; 1 cup Heavy Cream; 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese; 2 tbsp Salted Butter; 3 cloves Garlic; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black Pepper

Under 30 MinsHigh ProteinStovetopDinnerComfort FoodItalian

Medium

25min

680kcal

4people

MACROS

per serving

※gProtein

◆gFat

▣gCarbs

◎gSugar

◇gFiber

Get Kitchen Buddy Free

Want to see the exact Macros for this meal? Download the Kitchen Buddy app and unlock full nutritional insights!

A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring seared chicken breast and fresh spinach tossed in a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce.

If you are looking for the ultimate weeknight comfort food, this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta checks every single box. It is a luxurious, restaurant-quality meal that comes together right in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes. The star of the show is the velvety, rich sauce made from heavy cream and parmesan, infused with the aromatic punch of sautéed garlic. By searing the chicken breast first, we lock in the juices, ensuring that every bite is tender and flavorful. What makes this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta truly special is how the wilted fresh spinach cuts through the richness of the dairy, adding a pop of vibrant color and earthy flavor that balances the dish perfectly. It is the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you are cooking for a busy family dinner or a cozy date night, this pasta dish is versatile and universally loved. The sauce clings beautifully to the penne, ensuring that you get a perfect ratio of pasta, chicken, and creamy goodness in every forkful. Serve this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta with a side of crusty bread to mop up every drop of that incredible sauce!

Ingredients

340 g Penne Pasta
450 g Chicken Breast
150 g Fresh Spinach
240 ml Heavy Cream
60 g Parmesan Cheese
2 tbsp Salted Butter
3 cloves Garlic
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Salt
0.5 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 60ml (1/4 cup) of pasta water, then drain.
2
While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breast into bite-sized strips. Season with salt and black pepper.
3
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
6
Stir in the grated parmesan until melted and smooth. Add the spinach and stir until it just begins to wilt.
7
Return the cooked chicken breast and the drained penne to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
8
Serve immediately, topped with extra parmesan if desired.

Chef's Tips

•For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
•Freshly grated parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.

More recipes you might like

Recipe By

Kitchen Buddy Chef