![Here’s what you need to make this dish: - 8 oz (225g) penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients blend well to create a creamy and tasty pasta dish. If you lack an ingredient, here are some easy swaps: - Pasta: You can use any pasta shape like fusilli or rotini. - Olive oil: Try using avocado oil for a different flavor. - Chicken: Substitute with shrimp or tofu for a new twist. - Spinach: Kale or arugula can work in place of spinach. - Heavy cream: Use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative. - Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor for vegan options. These swaps keep the dish delicious while catering to your pantry. Each serving of Easy Spinach Chicken Pasta includes: - Calories: 480 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 45g - Fat: 22g - Fiber: 3g This meal offers a good balance of nutrients while being satisfying and tasty. Enjoy making this dish as a wholesome option! For the complete cooking instructions, check the [Full Recipe]. This recipe is simple and quick. You will need about 30 minutes. Start by gathering your ingredients. Chop the spinach, dice the chicken, and mince the garlic. This makes cooking faster and easier. 1. Cook the Pasta: First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. 2. Prepare the Chicken: In the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 diced chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Sauté until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. 3. Add Garlic: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until you smell the garlic’s strong flavor. 4. Add Spinach: Stir in 2 cups of chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes. 5. Make the Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens a little. 6. Combine Everything: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce. Toss in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well so the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. 7. Season and Serve: Taste the dish. Add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve it hot with fresh basil leaves on top for color and flavor. - Use fresh ingredients. Fresh spinach and garlic will give the best flavor. - Don’t overcook the pasta. It should be firm, or al dente. - Adjust the cream for a richer or lighter sauce. You can use less if you prefer. - Consider adding other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for more taste. - Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Always cook it al dente. This helps the pasta stay firm and not mushy. Another mistake is not seasoning the chicken. Season it well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds flavor. Lastly, don’t skip the garlic. It adds a nice taste and aroma to the dish. You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken as directed. Let them cool before storing. Keep the sauce separate in the fridge. When ready to eat, combine them and heat gently. This makes meal prep easy. You’ll save time on busy nights. Serve this dish hot for the best taste. Pair it with a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Garlic bread goes well with it, too. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a nice touch and more flavor. Enjoy your Easy Spinach Chicken Pasta! For the full recipe, check the main article. {{image_2}} You can easily switch ingredients in this dish. If you want a lighter sauce, swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt. This change keeps the dish creamy but cuts calories. You can also use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They add great flavor and stay moist. For a tangy touch, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts. To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas. They both add protein and texture. If you want a vegan version, use cashew cream or coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy taste. Add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients. While penne works great, you can use other pasta shapes. Fusilli or farfalle are good choices. They hold sauce well and add fun to your plate. You can also try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. Just cook them according to the package directions. This way, you can enjoy Easy Spinach Chicken Pasta in many tasty ways! For the complete instructions, check the Full Recipe. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to seal it well to avoid any odors from other foods. If you want to keep it longer, freezing works great too. To freeze Easy Spinach Chicken Pasta, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. This helps maintain the flavor and texture. Reheating is simple. For the best results, use the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to the pan to add moisture. Heat on low, stirring often until warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, your pasta stays creamy and tasty. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To make Easy Spinach Chicken Pasta gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer great options. Check the labels to ensure they meet your needs. The cooking steps stay the same. Just cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package. The sauce and chicken remain gluten-free as well. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken as normal. Store them separately from the sauce. Keep both in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, combine everything in a pan. Heat it up until warm. This makes it easy to enjoy later. Easy Spinach Chicken Pasta pairs well with many sides. A simple garden salad adds freshness. Garlic bread complements the creamy sauce nicely. You could also serve cooked vegetables for extra nutrients. For a special touch, try a light white wine. It enhances the meal, making it even more enjoyable. Enjoy your meal! In this article, we explored the key ingredients for Easy Spinach Chicken Pasta, focusing on smart substitutions and nutritional facts. We provided clear, step-by-step instructions to help you master the dish. I also shared tips to avoid common mistakes and enhance your cooking experience. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers for later enjoyment. When you try this recipe, you'll create a delicious meal. Remember, good food brings joy. Enjoy your cooking journey!](https://toastedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/5bb5b2d9-2247-424b-9cc2-277aaceec3a3-300x300.webp)
Easy Spinach Chicken Pasta
Indulge in a delightful bowl of Creamy Spinach Chicken Pasta that’s quick and easy to make! This recipe combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce over perfectly cooked penne. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that's delicious and satisfying in under 30 minutes. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to explore this creamy recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!