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Creamy Chicken Spinach

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This 50-minute chicken pasta combines tender spinach and a rich parmesan sauce. Boost flavor with wine, soy, or a splash of hot sauce.
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Clare Recipes
Updated on Thu, 08 May 2025 18:05:36 GMT
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Creamy Chicken Spinach | recipesclare.com

This creamy chicken spinach pasta hits the spot - juicy chunks of chicken and al dente pasta soaked in a velvety Parmesan blend that'll have you scraping the bowl. I whipped up this dish on a stormy weekend when I wanted something warm without heading to the store. It's now the dinner my family begs for most!

My children used to avoid spinach like it was dangerous, but something wonderful happens when it wilts in this rich sauce. Just last month my youngest asked for more "green bits" - I almost dropped my fork!

Key Components

  • Chicken Breast: Pick fresh instead of thawed and slice into small chunks for quick cooking
  • Fresh Spinach: I've attempted using frozen but fresh truly makes the dish shine
  • Cream Cheese: The spreadable version melts smoother than blocks (learned from experience)
  • Authentic Parmesan: Don't go for the pre-grated container stuff, spring for the real cheese
  • White Wine: Brings wonderful depth, though chicken stock works great for an alcohol-free option
Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe Save
Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe | recipesclare.com

Cooking Time!

Get Ready (10 mins)
Slice chicken into similar-sized bits for even cooking
Add plenty of lemon pepper (my hidden trick)
Start boiling your pasta water - save time!
Shred the Parmesan while waiting
Handle the Chicken (8 mins)
Make sure your skillet is properly heated
Brown the chicken until golden (give them space!)
Move it to a plate - we'll use it again soon
Add wine and let it simmer down
Create the Base (5 mins)
Drop in butter and cook garlic until it smells wonderful
Add flour and stir through
Pour liquids in gradually - don't rush this part
Keep the spoon moving! Lumps aren't welcome
Develop Taste (7 mins)
Mix in small pieces of cream cheese
Sprinkle Parmesan gradually
Add spinach and let it soften
Adjust seasoning as needed
Combine Everything (5 mins)
Mix drained pasta into your sauce
Put chicken back in the pan
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon
Stir until everything's coated

About that hot sauce tip - I found it by chance when I accidentally added too much one evening. Instead of wrecking dinner, it made everything taste richer and deeper. Now I keep hot sauce nearby whenever I'm making creamy dishes.

Wine Wisdom

I'm pretty casual - I use whatever dry white wine I've got handy. Sometimes it's cheap Pinot Grigio, other times it's leftover bubbly from weekend brunches. Just stay away from sweet options, and if wine isn't your thing, chicken stock does the job nicely.

Sauce Secrets

After making this countless times, I've learned timing really counts. Adding cream cheese too soon causes lumps, but wait too long and it won't blend well. I hold off until my sauce is warm but not bubbling, then add small chunks of softened cream cheese.

Easy Fixes

When your sauce gets overly thick, add a bit of pasta water - it works like magic sauce-thinning liquid. Too runny? Let it bubble a bit longer. Pasta water can fix almost any sauce problem!

Prep Ahead Ideas

This warms up wonderfully for tomorrow's lunch. I often cook extra just for leftovers. Just add a splash of milk when heating, and it's as tasty as when fresh.

Easy Chicken Spinach Pasta Save
Easy Chicken Spinach Pasta | recipesclare.com

Tasty Twists

I sometimes throw in mushrooms alongside the spinach, or swap for kale when I'm feeling health-conscious. Once I added some oven-roasted cherry tomatoes and it was fantastic - they burst with flavor in every bite.

You know what makes this dish special? It's simple but impressive. Perfect for those evenings when you want to wow someone (or treat yourself!) without stressing in the kitchen. It's become my favorite for everything from weeknight family meals to romantic dinners at home, and honestly, I can't decide what I enjoy more - making it or eating it!

Recipe FAQs

→ Why use hot sauce and soy sauce?
They add layers of flavor without standing out on their own.
→ Can I leave out the wine?
Sure, try replacing it with chicken broth. Or choose non-alcoholic wine for similar richness.
→ What type of pasta works best?
Short cuts like penne, ziti, or rigatoni are excellent options.
→ How should I warm up leftovers?
Microwave on lower power or use a double boiler to gently heat it up.
→ Why not use pre-grated parmesan?
Pre-grated parmesan doesn’t melt well due to additives that stop clumping.

Chicken Spinach Pasta

Juicy chicken and pasta tossed with spinach, cream cheese, and a flavorful parmesan sauce. Ready to be your new favorite dinner.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Total Time
50 min

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine Type: Italian

Makes: 6 Serves

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Sauce Base

01 1 teaspoon mustard powder
02 1 teaspoon soy sauce
03 1 cup chicken broth
04 1 teaspoon hot sauce
05 1 cup half and half

→ Seasonings

06 1 pinch red pepper flakes
07 ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
08 ½ teaspoon each: oregano, parsley, onion powder, basil

→ Main Components

09 ½ pound Mezzi rigatoni
10 3 cloves garlic, minced
11 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
13 3 cups packed baby spinach
14 3 tablespoons butter

→ Sauce Additions

15 ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 ½ cup dry white wine
17 1½ teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
18 3 tablespoons flour
19 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
20 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese

Steps

Step 01

Mix the sauce liquids together in a measuring cup. Dice the chicken into small chunks, then sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning.

Step 02

Brown the seasoned chicken in hot oil, letting it sear for 2-3 minutes per side. Take it out of the pan and set aside.

Step 03

In the same pan, pour in the wine and let it reduce. Throw in garlic, butter, and flour, cooking out the rawness of the flour.

Step 04

Slowly pour in the sauce mix while stirring, then add Parmesan and cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 05

Stir spinach into the hot sauce to wilt, then add lemon juice, cooked chicken, and the pasta. Heat everything until warm, then serve.

Helpful Notes

  1. Hot sauce, soy sauce, and mustard balance flavors rather than overpower them.
  2. Grate Parmesan yourself for better results when melting.
  3. Store leftovers for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for 3 months max.

Required Tools

  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Nonstick skillet
  • Spatula (preferably silicone)
  • Measuring tools

Allergen Info

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and seek medical advice if unsure.
  • Dairy (butter, Parmesan, half and half, cream cheese)
  • Wheat (flour, pasta)
  • Soy (soy sauce)

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These are general insights and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 461
  • Fat: ~
  • Carbs: ~
  • Protein: ~