Name: Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound pasta (penne); 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 Tablespoons all purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups milk; 2 Tablespoons cream cheese (optional); 1 1/2 cups shredded parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 3 heaping cups fresh spinach, lightly chopped; 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; Salt and pepper to taste

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and a little fancy, you’ve got to try this Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love how it comes together in just about 30 minutes, yet tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day. The silky parmesan sauce clings perfectly to tender pasta, shredded chicken, and loads of fresh spinach, making it a family favorite that’s anything but ordinary. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to meal for busy nights or when you want to impress without the stress!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Whip this up in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Creamy and Comforting: Homemade sauce that’s rich without being heavy thanks to fresh ingredients.
Family Friendly: My kids adore it and it’s a great way to sneak in spinach.
Flexible Ingredients: Use whatever pasta or leftover chicken you have on hand.

The image shows a pot filled with creamy pasta. The pasta is penne, which is light beige and mixed in a thick white sauce. There are pieces of green spinach evenly spread throughout the pasta, adding small color spots. The sauce looks smooth and coats the pasta well. A metal spoon is partially inside the pot, lifting some pasta. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta, creamy pasta with chicken and spinach, quick chicken pasta dinner, easy seafood pasta recipes, comforting weeknight meals

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here is in using simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Choosing fresh spinach and good parmesan really elevates this dish, but don’t worry – you can easily adapt based on what’s in your fridge or pantry.

Flat lay of a mound of uncooked penne pasta, a small pat of unsalted butter, two whole uncracked brown garlic bulbs, a small white ceramic bowl with all purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl with a few dollops of cream cheese, a small pile of shredded parmesan cheese, a portion of cooked shredded chicken breast, a small heap of fresh lightly chopped spinach leaves, and a small white ceramic bowl with clear pasta cooking water, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta, creamy pasta with chicken and spinach, quick chicken pasta dinner, easy seafood pasta recipes, comforting weeknight meals

Pasta: Penne works great, but fusilli or rotini are just as good for holding the sauce.
Unsalted Butter: Essential for that silky sauce base—unsalted lets you control the seasoning better.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that irresistible savory aroma.
All Purpose Flour: This helps thicken our creamy sauce nicely.
Milk: I use whole milk for creaminess but 2% works if you want to lighten it up.
Cream Cheese (optional): Adds an extra velvety layer to the sauce—feel free to skip if you’re short on time.
Parmesan Cheese: Go for fresh grated if you can—it makes a huge difference in flavor.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: A fantastic way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
Fresh Spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a fresh bite; toss it in just before it’s done cooking.
Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy water is the secret to smoothing out the sauce perfectly.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, but don’t be shy—seasoning makes the flavors pop!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this creamy chicken spinach pasta recipe is a total canvas—once you’ve got the basic sauce down, you can make it your own in so many fun ways. I often switch up the greens or add a punch of spice depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge.

Swap the Greens: I’ve used kale or arugula instead of spinach, which adds great flavor and texture.
Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you like a little heat.
Mushroom Addition: Saute sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy twist my family can’t get enough of.
Dairy-Free Version: Use almond or oat milk, and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to make it dairy-free; it’s surprisingly tasty!

How to Make Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Boil Pasta and Reserve That Magic Water

Start by boiling your pasta in very salty water. I learned this trick early on—season your pasta water like the sea for the best flavor. Cook it just until al dente, so it’s got a little bite. Before draining, scoop out about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside; you’ll use this to adjust the sauce consistency later. This step really helps the sauce cling perfectly to your noodles, giving you that creamy, dreamy texture.

Step 2: Build Your Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same pot (saves on dishes – yay!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sauté until fragrant—about 2 minutes—this is when your kitchen will smell like heaven. Next, sprinkle in the flour and whisk it together with the butter; cook it for about a minute until it’s lightly browned and smells nutty, which helps get rid of that raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk a little at a time while whisking, so you avoid lumps. At first, the sauce will thicken fast, then loosen as you add the rest of the milk. Keep cooking and stirring for about 6 minutes until the sauce gets thick and creamy.

Step 3: Add Chicken, Spinach, and Cheese for the Perfect Finish

Stir in your shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and cream cheese (if using). The cream cheese melts into the sauce, giving it that extra silky texture I love on cool evenings. Turn off the heat, then stir in the parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is nice and smooth. Now, fold your pasta back into the sauce and add a few tablespoons of that reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce coats everything perfectly. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed – this part is so important because a little seasoning goes a long way to make all the flavors pop.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe

Reserve Enough Pasta Water: I usually scoop out extra, especially if doubling the recipe; it’s key for adjusting sauce thickness perfectly.
Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Add it near the end so it wilts just enough but still keeps a fresh taste and vibrant color.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can be convenient but fresh grated really melts better and boosts flavor dramatically.
Mind the Heat: Turn off the heat before adding parmesan to avoid grainy sauce and keep it silky smooth.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta, showing three main layers: the bottom layer is light yellow penne pasta, the middle layer is green spinach pieces mixed evenly, and the top layer has thinly shaved pale yellow cheese slices scattered over the pasta. The pasta looks soft and coated in a white creamy sauce. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface next to a red and white striped cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta, creamy pasta with chicken and spinach, quick chicken pasta dinner, easy seafood pasta recipes, comforting weeknight meals

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a crack of fresh black pepper to add just a little bite. Sometimes I throw on some toasted pine nuts or a handful of chopped fresh basil for an extra fresh punch—both add a nice textural contrast and elevate the flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish is fabulous on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread takes it to the next level. I often serve it with roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple cucumber tomato salad, which cuts through the creaminess perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special occasions, I like to serve this creamy chicken spinach pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a beautiful presentation. Another trick is to toss some fresh lemon zest over the top just before serving, which brightens the whole dish and makes it feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir when reheating, since the sauce can thicken up a bit as it cools. If it feels too thick, a splash of milk or reserved pasta water will bring it back to creamy perfection.

Freezing

I’ve had good success freezing this pasta, though the texture of spinach changes slightly after thawing. Package it in a freezer-safe container and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Adding a little bit of milk or reserved pasta water while warming it up helps restore that luscious creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use other kinds of pasta for this Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, any shape like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle will work wonderfully. Just make sure to cook it al dente to get the best texture when tossing with the sauce.
Is cream cheese necessary for this recipe?

Cream cheese is optional but highly recommended. It adds extra silkiness and depth to the sauce. If you don’t have it or prefer to skip, the sauce will still be delicious thanks to the butter, flour, milk, and parmesan.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also toss in plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu for extra heartiness.
What’s the best way to avoid a grainy sauce?

Turn off the heat before stirring in the parmesan cheese and avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese. Using fresh grated parmesan rather than pre-shredded helps avoid that texture issue as well.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my cookbook because it makes mealtime feel special without the fuss. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a casual weekend dinner, it’s the kind of meal you can make with ingredients you probably already have, and it always impresses. I hope you give it a try soon—once you do, it’s going to become a staple you’ll come back to again and again. Happy cooking, my friend!