If you’ve been searching for a hearty, creamy, and comforting pasta dinner that doesn’t leave your kitchen looking like a disaster zone, this recipe is about to be your new best friend. This one-pan creamy chicken and spinach pasta is ready in 30 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and delivers that restaurant-level flavor without the
You’ll Love This Recipe
One-pan magic – pasta, chicken, sauce, spinach—all cooked together.
Less cleanup, more time to relax.
Ready in 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
Family-approved – picky eaters can’t resist creamy pasta.
Nutritious upgrade – sneaky spinach adds greens without complaints.
Year round favorite – comfort food you’ll crave year-round.
This is exactly the type of meal that keeps American families coming back—quick, comforting, and endlessly adaptable.
Ingredients Breakdown (with Substitutions)
- Chicken Breast (1 lb, boneless, skinless) → Lean protein base.
Swap: Chicken thighs for more flavor, or even rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Pasta (12 oz, short-cut like penne or rigatoni) → Holds creamy sauce perfectly.
Swap: Gluten-free pasta if needed, or spaghetti for a fun twist.
- Spinach (4 cups, fresh) → Adds nutrients and freshness.
Swap: Kale, arugula, or frozen spinach (just thaw + squeeze dry).
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) → For rich creaminess.
Swap: Half-and-half for lighter sauce, or coconut milk for dairy-free.
- Chicken Broth (2 cups) → Helps cook pasta and build flavor.
Hack: Use bouillon cubes if you don’t have broth.
- Parmesan Cheese (¾ cup, grated) → Creamy, nutty finish.
Swap: Pecorino Romano or even sharp white cheddar.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced) → Flavor foundation.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp) → For searing chicken.
- Salt & Pepper → Always.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional) → For a touch of heat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan (worthy mention 👉 All-Clad Stainless Steel Sauté Pan is a kitchen workhorse).Cut chicken into bite-size pieces.Season with salt + pepper, then sear 3–4 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Base
In the same pan, add garlic and a splash of olive oil. Sauté for 1 minute.Stir in chicken broth and cream.
Step 3: Cook Pasta in the Sauce
Add pasta directly to the pan.Cover and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
Step 4: Add Spinach + Chicken
Stir spinach into the pasta—watch it wilt down.Return chicken to the pan.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese
Stir in Parmesan until sauce thickens and becomes silky.
Taste, adjust salt/pepper, and add red pepper flakes if desired.
Time & Budget Breakdown
Cook time: 30 minutes
Active prep: 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Cost per serving: ~$3.25 (U.S. average)
That’s cheaper than a Starbucks latte—and way more filling.
Dietary Notes + Variations
Gluten-Free ✅ – Use GF pasta.
Low-Carb/Keto ✅ – Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Dairy-Free ✅ – Use coconut milk + nutritional yeast instead of cream + cheese.
Kid-Friendly ✅ – Cut spinach smaller so it blends in, and keep spice mild.
Storage & Freezer Tips
Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight container for 3 days.
Freezer: Not ideal because cream sauces can separate—but you can freeze cooked chicken + pasta separately and add fresh cream when reheating.
Reheat Tip: Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to bring sauce back to life.
Serving Ideas + Pairings
This pasta is a full meal on its own, but you can elevate it with:
- A starter like my 7 No-Cook Appetizers That Impress
- A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette
- A refreshing soup like my 5 Cold Soups to Beat the Heat
- Or pair it with 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp for a surf-and-turf pasta night.
Recommended Cookware
For creamy one-pan pastas, you need a pan that distributes heat evenly and doesn’t stick.
I recommend the All-Clad Stainless Steel Sauté Pan . It’s large enough for family dinners and will last a lifetime.
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FAQ
Q: Can I use precooked chicken?Yes—just add it back in during the final few minutes to avoid overcooking.
Q: Can I make this ahead?Yes, but store pasta and sauce separately for best texture.
Q: Can I make it healthier?Swap cream for Greek yogurt or half-and-half, and load up on extra spinach.
Q: What pasta shape works best?Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
Conclusion
There you have it—one-pan creamy chicken and spinach pasta that’s easy, comforting, and guaranteed to make your weeknight smoother. With just 30 minutes and one pan, you’ll serve up a meal that tastes like you spent hours cooking.
For more quick dinner inspiration, check out:
- 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice
Your 30-minute dinner rotation just got creamier. 🍝✨
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