Name: Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian American
Ingredients: 8–10 ounces uncooked pasta; 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1½–2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning (or salt and pepper to taste); 1 small leek, chopped (or 1 small yellow onion, chopped); 2 green onions, ends trimmed and sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ⅓ cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1–1¼ cup heavy cream; 4 cups fresh baby spinach; ½ cup freshly grated Mizithra or Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup fresh herbs, minced (parsley and dill recommended)

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Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant spinach, aromatic herbs, and a rich, lemony cream sauce, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s both satisfying and fresh. Perfect for weeknights, it’s elegant enough for guests yet easy enough for any home cook.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights.
Creamy and flavorful: A velvety sauce made with garlic, herbs, cream, and lemon.
Balanced and satisfying: Protein, greens, carbs, and richness all in one dish.
Customizable: Swap proteins, add more veggies, or adjust the herbs to your taste.
Fresh and herby: Bright flavors from lemon, dill, and parsley keep it light.
One-pan magic: Fewer dishes and a more cohesive flavor.
Great for leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day.
Crowd-pleaser: Kid-friendly and adult-approved.
Flexible pasta options: Use any shape—penne, linguine, fusilli, or even gluten-free.
Elegant yet approachable: Fancy enough for guests, simple enough for busy nights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8–10 oz uncooked pasta
2 chicken breasts, cubed
1½–2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning (or salt & pepper to taste)
1 small leek or yellow onion, chopped
2 green onions, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup chicken broth
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
½ tsp Dijon mustard
1–1¼ cup heavy cream
4 cups fresh baby spinach
½ cup grated mizithra or parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh herbs (such as parsley and dill), minced

Directions

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with lemon pepper and a pinch of salt (or your preferred seasoning blend).
Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
In the same pan, melt butter. Add chopped leeks (or onion), green onions, and garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened.
Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard. Simmer for about a minute, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift any brown bits.
Add Spinach
Stir in fresh spinach and cook until it just starts to wilt.
Combine Chicken and Cream
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Reduce heat if the sauce thickens too quickly or starts to boil.
Toss in Pasta and Finish
Add the cooked pasta to the pan along with fresh herbs. Toss everything together to coat the pasta well.
Stir in Cheese
Mix in the grated mizithra or parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve
Plate hot and garnish with extra herbs, lemon zest, lemon slices, or more cheese as desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use ground chicken or turkey: For a twist in texture or convenience.
Dredge chicken in flour: For a slightly crisp, golden crust before searing.
Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes: For more depth and flavor.
Swap the cream: Use half-and-half for a lighter version, or coconut cream for dairy-free.
Change up the pasta: Use whole wheat, gluten-free, or legume-based pasta.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Add peas or asparagus: Great spring vegetables to complement the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

What pasta shape works best for this dish?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowtie hold the sauce well, but long noodles like fettuccine or linguine also work great.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken can be added after the sauce is made—just stir it in to warm through.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cream substitute (like oat or cashew cream), plant-based butter, and a vegan parmesan alternative.

What’s mizithra cheese?

Mizithra is a Greek cheese with a salty, nutty flavor similar to aged parmesan. Parmesan or pecorino are good substitutes.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the creamy texture and mild lemon flavor are appealing to most kids. Adjust seasoning to reduce spice or salt.

Can I make it ahead?

You can prep the chicken and aromatics ahead, but for best texture, assemble and serve fresh.

How can I make it lighter?

Use less cream or sub in half-and-half. Reduce the cheese slightly, and load up with more spinach or vegetables.

What herbs work best?

Fresh parsley and dill add brightness. You can also try basil, thyme, or tarragon for different flavor profiles.

What’s the best way to keep the sauce creamy?

Avoid high heat once the cream is added. Stir often and thin it with extra broth or cream as needed.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a bright, herby twist. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, it’s an ideal go-to recipe for weeknights or special occasions. Whether you serve it as-is or tweak it to make it your own, this dish will become a reliable favorite in your kitchen rotation.