Name: Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta; 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 craving a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, I’ve got you covered with this Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe. Trust me, it’s one of those dishes that’s simple enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough to impress anyone you’re cooking for. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with fresh spinach and tender chicken, it hits all the right notes and comes together in about 30 minutes—because who wants to spend all evening in the kitchen? Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into busy nights without sacrificing flavor.
Comforting Creaminess: The homemade parmesan sauce is luscious and velvety, making every bite feel like a special treat.
Nutritious Boost: Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and a healthy punch, balancing out the richness.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy every time I make this; it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone enjoys.

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 Chicken Pasta, Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe, Quick Pasta Dinner, Comforting Chicken Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe are straightforward but pack a punch when combined. I always recommend fresh spinach for that pop of green, and don’t skip on the parmesan — it really elevates the sauce.

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 Chicken Pasta, Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe, Quick Pasta Dinner, Comforting Chicken Pasta

Pasta: Penne works beautifully here because it holds the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite shape.
Unsalted butter: Essential for starting the sauce and controlling the saltiness.
Garlic: Adds that aromatic depth that brings everything to life.
All-purpose flour: The secret behind the sauce’s perfect thickness.
Milk: Use whole milk for a richer sauce, but you can try 2% if you want to lighten it up.
Cream cheese (optional): I discovered this trick adds a dreamy creaminess and keeps the sauce silky.
Shredded parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded is key because the flavor is so much more vibrant than pre-grated.
Cooked shredded chicken: A great way to use up leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Fresh spinach: Adds color, texture, and a nutritional boost—you’ll barely taste it but will love the effect.
Reserved pasta water: This is the unsung hero that helps loosen the sauce perfectly without losing creaminess.
Salt and pepper: Always adjust these to your taste for the best flavor balance.

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 so flexible—you can really make it your own depending on what you have on hand or your mood. Experimenting with variations keeps it exciting every time I make it.

Swap the chicken for shrimp: I once tried this with sautéed shrimp instead of chicken, and my guests couldn’t get enough of the lighter seafood twist.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes instead; it still feels hearty and tasty.
Use gluten-free pasta: I’ve had great luck with brown rice or chickpea pasta for a gluten-free version.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes: For a little kick, sprinkle these in when you’re sautéing the garlic.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your pasta in very salty water until it’s al dente—that’s the sweet spot where it’s tender but still has a nice bite. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water is like liquid gold and will help you get that silky sauce texture later. I like to return the drained pasta pot to the stove to keep things simple when building the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Roux and Parmesan Sauce

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. When it’s melted, add the minced garlic and give it about 2 minutes until fragrant—don’t rush this step, or you’ll miss out on that garlicky boost. Next, whisk in the flour to make a roux and cook for a minute until it smells nutty but hasn’t browned too much. This base is what’ll thicken your sauce gorgeously.

Step 3: Whisk in Milk and Build Creaminess

Now, slowly add your milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps—your sauce will thicken right away and then loosen as you add all the milk. Cook this mixture for about six minutes, stirring now and then until it’s rich and thick enough to coat a spoon. At this point, stir in the cream cheese if you’re using it; it’s my secret weapon for extra silky texture.

Step 4: Add Chicken, Spinach & Cheese

Stir in your shredded chicken and fresh spinach, cooking just until the spinach starts to wilt—this step feels so rewarding because the sauce turns a lovely light green and smells incredible. Turn off the heat and gently fold in the parmesan cheese, which melts into the sauce creating that irresistible cheesy flavor.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce to Perfection

Return the cooked pasta to the pot and toss it with the sauce. Then add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your ideal consistency—some like it thick and clingy, others a bit looser, so adjust as you go. Give it a quick taste and finish with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper if you like.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grating your parmesan makes a huge difference in flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Pre-grated can be dry and clump in the sauce.
Don’t Skip the Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy water is magic for smoothing out the sauce without making it watery.
Cook Garlic Low and Slow: Avoid burning your garlic by cooking it over medium heat; burnt garlic brings bitterness and can ruin the sauce.
Add Spinach Last: Adding spinach at the end keeps it bright, fresh, and not overcooked, giving your dish vibrant color and texture.

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 Chicken Pasta, Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe, Quick Pasta Dinner, Comforting Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

I love finishing this pasta with a generous sprinkle of extra parmesan and a crack of fresh black pepper—simple but so effective! Sometimes I add a few red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley can also brighten it up if you have some on hand.

Side Dishes

For sides, I often pair this creamy dish with a crisp green salad—something with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty sourdough is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this pasta in individual mini cast-iron skillets or pretty bowls with a garnish of edible flowers or microgreens to make it feel extra festive. You can also layer it with extra parmesan and broil briefly for a golden cheesy crust on top—comfort food elevated!

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. The sauce might thicken as it cools, but that’s easy to fix when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta a couple of times with good results. Just let it cool completely, portion it out, and freeze in airtight containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

When reheating, do it gently on the stove over low heat and add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce back up so it’s creamy again. Microwave works too—just stir halfway through and add a bit of liquid if it’s thick.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is great because it holds the sauce nicely, feel free to use fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the pasta stays al dente.
Is cream cheese necessary in the sauce?

Not at all—it’s optional but highly recommended. Cream cheese adds extra creaminess and a slight tang that enriches the sauce, but you can skip it if you want a lighter version.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free spread, use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat), and swap parmesan for a vegan cheese alternative. The texture won’t be exactly the same, but it’s still tasty!
How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?

The sauce is thick enough when it coats the back of a spoon and holds a line when you run your finger through it. It should be creamy without being gluey or too runny.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something cozy but don’t have hours to cook. It’s a little slice of comfort food magic that you can customize easily and rely on time after time. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as my family and I do—it’s like a warm, cheesy hug waiting for you at the dinner table. Go ahead, give it a try and make it truly your own!