🍝 30-Minute Creamy Pasta with Chicken & Spinach – The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner!
📝 Description
Creamy, comforting, and ready in just 30 minutes! This Creamy Chicken & Spinach Pasta is the kind of weeknight dinner that hits all the marks—hearty, flavorful, and easy to make in one pot. Tender chicken thighs, al dente pasta, and fresh spinach come together in a rich, cheesy cream sauce made with cream cheese, milk, and Parmesan. It’s a satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
🍗 Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- Salt, pepper, and paprika (to taste)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
👩🍳 Instructions
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add to skillet and cook until browned and cooked through (5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Cook Garlic & Pasta:
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Make it Creamy:
- Stir in cream cheese and milk until smooth and melted.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Add baby spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Finish with Parmesan:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes if desired.
🍽️ Servings
Makes 2 generous servings (or 3 lighter portions). Easily doubled for a family.
🧠 Notes & Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time—just skip the cooking step and stir it in with the spinach.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Simmer gently and stir occasionally to prevent sticking or over-softening.
- Cream cheese tip: Let it soften at room temp for smoother melting.
- Add-ins: Try mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or chili flakes for variety.
- Make it lighter: Use light cream cheese and low-fat milk, though it will be slightly less rich.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, based on 2 servings)
- Calories: ~550 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: ~600mg
Values may vary based on specific ingredients/brands used.
🌿 Health Benefits
- High in protein: Great for muscle repair and long-lasting energy.
- Spinach boost: Rich in iron, folate, and antioxidants.
- Calcium-rich: Parmesan and cream cheese support bone health.
- One-pot simplicity: Less cleanup encourages home cooking and balanced meals.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes! Chicken breast works well—just be careful not to overcook as it can dry out faster.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, it reheats well. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and check your broth and cheese for additives.
Q: Can I substitute the cream cheese?
A: You can use heavy cream for a more classic Alfredo-style sauce or Greek yogurt for a tangy, healthier alternative.
Q: How can I add more veggies?
A: Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers with the garlic for extra nutrients and flavor.