This Garlic Chicken Pasta with Spinach is loaded with flavor, and can be on the table in 30 minutes. It’s a great way to get your family to eat spinach and actually enjoy it!
I like to round out the meal with sides like sweet boiled carrots or cream cheese fruit salad.
I found this easy chicken pasta recipe at Mel’s Kitchen Cafe over a decade ago. The original recipe was pretty tasty, but I wanted it a bit more saucy. It’s been tweaked a few times over the years.
I replaced some of the olive oil with cream and pasta water. It’s not swimming in sauce, but it is a little more creamy and delicious. There’s just enough garlic sauce to coat the pasta.
I love the fresh flavor of the lemon juice with the saltiness of the Parmesan cheese. The tender chicken pieces have a nice garlic-y taste, and the red pepper adds just a bit of a kick.
How to make garlic chicken spinach pasta:
- PASTA – Cook pasta in salted boiling water in a large stainless steel pan until barely tender. Drain and reserve some of the water. Return the pasta to the pot.
- GARLIC OIL – In a small glass bowl, heat the olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes for 30-60 seconds in the microwave, just until fragrant.
- CHICKEN – While the water comes to a boil, cut the chicken into one inch pieces. Season it with the salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet. Cook half of the chicken over medium high heat, then add to the cooked pasta. Repeat with the remaining oil and chicken.
- COMBINE – Add the spinach, basil, lemon juice, parmesan, cream, pasta water, the pasta, and chicken. Cook and stir over medium heat until cheese melts.
- SERVE – If desired, garnish with additional parmesan and basil.
PRO TIPS:
- Don’t overcook the noodles. You want al dente pasta because it will soak up some of the sauce, and nothing’s worse than soggy pasta!
- I like to use baby spinach for this recipe because it’s more tender.
- For best results, use a good quality parmesan cheese. The stuff in the green can doesn’t melt quite as well.
SPINACH CHICKEN PASTA VARIATIONS:
- For a lighter dish, you can use whole milk in place of the heavy whipping cream.
- Use whole wheat pasta for more nutrients and a boost of fiber.
- If you really want a potent lemon flavor, add some lemon zest to the sauce.
MORE PASTA DISHES FOR BUSY WEEKNIGHTS:
Recipe originally published 2/23/2010, updated March 2025.
Yield: 6 servings
Garlic Chicken Pasta with Spinach
Chunks of juicy chicken breast, pasta, spinach, and basil in a light garlic lemon coating. An easy recipe the whole family will love!
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry pasta (I use rigatoni, farfalle or penne pasta.)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 oz fresh spinach (4 cups packed)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 6 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pasta water (more if needed)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. (Make sure you save some of the pasta water after draining!) After draining, return the pasta to the pot.
- Meanwhile, cut the chicken into bite sized pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small glass bowl in the microwave for about 1 minute to blend flavors.
- Pour about 1 Tbsp of the flavored oil into a large skillet and heat to medium-high heat. Add half of the cubed chicken and cook until browned and juices run clear.
- While chicken is cooking, chop the basil and juice the lemon.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, then repeat the process with the remaining oil and chicken.
- Add the cooked chicken, spinach, basil, lemon juice, parmesan, cheese, cream, and reserved pasta water to the cooked pasta. Toss lightly over medium heat until all ingredients are well combined and the cheese starts to melt.. Serve immediately.
Notes
-If you forget to reserve the pasta water, you can use chicken broth instead.
-Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn a small amount from your purchase, no cost to you.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 594Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 725mgCarbohydrates: 63gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 50g
This garlic spinach chicken pasta tastes like comfort food, but it doesn’t have a heavy sauce, so it’s healthier than a lot of chicken pasta recipes.