Chicken Spinach Cheese Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Chicken spinach cheese pasta: just the name itself conjures up images of creamy, comforting goodness, doesn’t it? Forget complicated weeknight dinners; this is where flavor meets simplicity, and trust me, your family will thank you. I’m about to share my go-to recipe for this incredibly satisfying dish, a recipe that’s been a staple in my household for years.

While the exact origins of chicken spinach cheese pasta are a bit murky (likely a delicious evolution of classic Italian pasta dishes), the combination of these ingredients has been a culinary love affair for decades. Spinach, a nutritional powerhouse, adds a vibrant green hue and earthy notes, while chicken provides lean protein and a savory depth. And cheese? Well, cheese just makes everything better, doesn’t it?

What makes this pasta so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The tender pasta, the juicy chicken, the slightly wilted spinach, all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce – it’s a symphony of flavors in every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, or spices. But beyond the taste, it’s the sheer convenience that makes this dish a winner. It’s quick to prepare, uses readily available ingredients, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s get cooking and create some pasta magic!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Pasta:
• 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)
• 8 cups water
• 1 tablespoon salt
• For the Spinach Cheese Sauce:
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk or 2% recommended)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 10 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped (optional)

Preparing the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings. I like to let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, but you can proceed immediately if you’re short on time.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don’t clean the skillet yet; we’ll use it again for the sauce!

Cooking the Pasta

1. Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with 8 cups of water and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. The salt helps to season the pasta as it cooks.
2. Cook the Pasta: Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to the package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so the pasta should be firm but not hard. Usually, this takes about 8-10 minutes, but check the package for specific instructions.
3. Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. Don’t rinse the pasta unless you’re not using it immediately. Rinsing removes some of the starch, which helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Set the drained pasta aside.

Making the Spinach Cheese Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (don’t worry about any leftover bits; they’ll add flavor to the sauce!), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Make the Roux: Once the butter is melted, add the flour. Whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden. This is called a roux, and it’s the base of our creamy sauce. Be careful not to burn the roux, as this will give the sauce a bitter taste.
3. Add the Liquids: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, a little at a time, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
5. Add Seasonings: Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch more salt or pepper to enhance the flavor.
6. Incorporate the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese until they are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly.
7. Sauté the Garlic and Spinach: In a separate small pan, heat a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Add the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Combine Spinach and Sauce: Add the wilted spinach and garlic mixture to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine. If you’re using sun-dried tomatoes, add them now as well.

Assembling the Dish

1. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and cooked chicken to the spinach cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Make sure the pasta and chicken are well distributed throughout the sauce.
2. Serve: Serve the chicken spinach cheese pasta immediately. You can garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. I also like to add a grind of fresh black pepper on top.

Optional Additions:

• Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic and spinach for added flavor and texture.
• Onions: Add diced onions to the skillet before the garlic and sauté until softened for a deeper flavor base.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere, Fontina, or provolone, for a unique flavor profile.
• Broccoli: Add steamed or roasted broccoli florets to the pasta for extra vegetables.
• Heavy Cream: For an even richer and creamier sauce, substitute 1/2 cup of the milk with 1/2 cup of heavy cream.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won’t hold the sauce well. Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach has a better flavor and texture than frozen spinach. If you must use frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess water before adding it to the sauce.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese ensures a smoother, creamier sauce.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or chicken broth to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them with the cooked pasta just before serving.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken spinach cheese pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the pasta while reheating to prevent it from drying out.
• Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion:

This Chicken Spinach Cheese Pasta isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely have to try it! The creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly coats every strand of pasta, while the tender chicken and vibrant spinach add both substance and a healthy boost. It’s comfort food elevated, simple enough for a beginner cook, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. I’ve made this countless times, and it’s always a hit.

But what truly makes this recipe a must-try is its versatility. Feeling adventurous? Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy sweetness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will kick up the heat, while a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the entire dish. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You could even swap out the spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different nutritional profile and slightly different flavor.

Serving suggestions are endless! This Chicken Spinach Cheese Pasta is fantastic on its own as a complete meal. However, it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a more elegant presentation, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprig of parsley. If you’re planning a potluck or gathering, this pasta dish is easily doubled or tripled, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser. Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you feeling satisfied and happy, and isn’t that what cooking is all about?

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise, this Chicken Spinach Cheese Pasta will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor? What did your family or friends say? Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to improve and create even more delicious recipes for you. Don’t be shy – let me know what you think! I’m genuinely excited to hear about your culinary adventures with this recipe. Happy cooking!