Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Looking for easy dinner ideas? This creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta is quick, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. Get the recipe now!

May 18, 2025
By Sandra.

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Easy Dinner Ideas: Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Oh my gosh, have you ever found yourself scrambling for easy dinner ideas after a long day? trust me, i've been there, and it’s no fun.

But let’s talk about a meal that will save your busy evening: creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta ! with its rich garlic flavor and a pop of fresh spinach, this dish is like a warm hug after a long day.

This recipe is inspired by comforting italian cuisine, where simplicity meets flavor. it’s one of those easy fall dinner ideas that feels a bit like a cheat day, but it's all good.

You don’t need to be a culinary whiz to whip this up! expect to spend about 10 minutes prepping and 20 minutes cooking, so in just 30 minutes , you’ll have a meal that serves four people.

Perfect for a cozy family night or impressing a friend!

Now, what’s the big deal with this recipe? well, besides the creamy decadence, it’s packed with protein from the chicken and boosted with some greens! spinach is a ninja when it comes to nutrients, so you’re sneaking in those vitamins while enjoying a luscious dish.

Whether you’re looking for a ground beef quick recipe or a pasta wonder, this one's got it all, without needing to break a sweat.

And let’s be real, it’s totally versatile. you can serve it as a hearty main dish or even as a side when you’re hosting a get-together.

Feel free to plate it up with some garlic bread on the side and maybe a fresh salad to round it all out.

Trust me when i say, if you show up with this creamy garlic goodness, you’ll be the star of the evening!

Ready to dive into creamy, garlicky bliss? Grab your apron, and let’s get to the ingredients…

Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces fettuccine
• Salt (for boiling water)
• 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)

Instructions:

• Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente.
• Season chopped chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken until golden brown and cooked through (4-6 minutes).
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bring to a simmer. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted; season to taste. Drain pasta and add it directly to the skillet, tossing to combine.
• Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories:600

Fat:30g

Fiber:2g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian

Ingredients & Equipment for Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Main Ingredients

Okay, let’s dive into the goodies you’ll need for this easy dinner idea that’s gonna rock your weeknight meals! First up, here's the lowdown on everything you need:

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340g) fettuccine
• Salt (for boiling water, a good handful should do)

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound (450g) boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional, but trust me, it adds that extra zing!)

You want good quality chicken, aim for organic or free-range if you can. It makes a difference, promise! And get your spinach fresh – it’s all about that vibrant color and flavor in this dish!

Seasoning Notes

Now for the flavor town! You’ll want to jazz things up with some solid spices. Here are the must-haves:

• Salt and pepper are a non-negotiable duo!
• Dried Italian herbs give that classic vibe. If you have fresh herbs hanging around, toss in some basil or oregano for freshness.
• Want a quick kick? Add some red pepper flakes —perfect for those who like a little heat.

If you’re out of chicken broth, water works in a pinch, but it won’t have that rich flavor. and if you don't have heavy cream, you can totally use half-and-half.

It’ll still be creamy goodness, just not as rich.

Equipment Needed

Alright, let’s keep it simple with the tools you need. No fancy gadgets here, just good ol’ kitchen staples:

• A large pot for boiling pasta. (Go for one that holds a decent amount of water!)
• A large skillet to sauté the chicken and sauce.
• A colander to drain the pasta.
• A wooden spoon or spatula—easy peasy!

If you don’t have a colander, a large slotted spoon can bail you out, just saying!

So there you have it! with these ingredients and tools, you’re all set to whip up this heartwarming creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta .

It’s one of those easy fall dinner ideas that brings comfort right to your table. happy cooking, my friend!

Cooking Comfort: Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Oh my gosh, if you're searching for easy dinner ideas that are as comforting as a cozy evening at home, you’ve come to the right place! this creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta is not only straightforward to whip up but also feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Seriously, it’ll impress your friends and family and make weeknight meals feel extra special.

Kickoff with Prep Steps

Essential mise en place is key! Chop your garlic, season your chicken, and measure out your pasta before you start. You’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar!

Time-saving organization tips: While the pasta cooks, you can sauté your chicken. It’s a classic multitasking move.

And don’t forget safety reminders! Keep your chicken separate from other ingredients until you cook it completely. You want to avoid any cross-contamination. Ain’t nobody got time for that!

Step-by-Step Process

1. Boil the pasta: fill a large pot with water, toss in some salt, and bring it to a boil. then, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until it’s al dente — typically about 8- 10 minutes .

2. Prepare chicken: season your 1 pound of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   Sauté the chicken until it's golden brown and cooked through, which takes about 4- 6 minutes .

3. Add Garlic: Toss in 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. This is where the magic starts!

4. Make the sauce: pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream . bring it to a simmer, then add 2 cups of fresh spinach .

   Cook for about 2- 3 minutes until the spinach wilts down.

5. Combine Everything: Stir in ½ cup of Parmesan cheese until melted. Drain your pasta and toss it right in the pan, mixing everything together.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Plate it up, and don’t be shy about adding extra Parmesan on top!

Pro Tips to Level Up Your Dish

• For richer flavor , consider the splash of white wine when adding the garlic. It’s a simple trick that makes everything taste fancy!

• Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t overcook that spinach! You want it to be bright green and tender, not mushy.

• Make-ahead options: You can prep chicken and sauce in advance and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cook the pasta fresh when you're ready to eat!

With recipes like this, dinner can be a breeze! just picture it: cozy fall nights with a bowl of this creamy goodness.

Trust me, once you try this ground beef quick recipe at the heart of this dish, you won’t want to go back!

So grab that fettuccine and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear about your cooking adventures with this hearty fall recipe. Happy cooking, my friends!

Recipe Notes for Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Serving Suggestions

Alright, let’s talk presentation! this dish deserves a little flair—so grab your fanciest plates! twirl that fettuccine into a neat pile and sprinkle with a bit of extra parmesan cheese for some pizazz.

Don’t forget freshly cracked black pepper on top, maybe a few sprigs of parsley if you’re feeling extra fancy. serve it up with some garlic bread on the side—because, honestly, who can resist garlic bread?

And if you’re looking for a refreshing beverage , a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon is perfect to wash it down.

It’s like dining in a cozy italian bistro, right in your own kitchen!

Storage Tips

Now, for the leftovers—if there are any! you can refrigerate this creamy delight in an airtight container for up to three days .

When you’re ready to dig in again, just pop it in the microwave. if you’re like me, heat it up gently to keep that creamy sauce nice and luscious.

Feeling like saving it for a later date? go ahead and freeze it! just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container.

It’ll last for about two to three months . trust me—those busy weeknights will thank you!

Variations

Wanna get a little adventurous? try swapping out chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist or throw in sautéed mushrooms if you’re aiming for veggie vibes.

And if you’re feeling spicy, toss in some red pepper flakes for that kick!

Seasonal ingredients work wonders, too! in fall , add roasted butternut squash or even kale for a hearty addition. oh, and don’t forget—if heavy cream isn’t your jam, just sub it with half-and-half or a dairy-free option.

Nutrition Basics

This creamy dish is not just delicious; it packs a punch of protein from the chicken and iron from the spinach.

Each serving has about 600 calories , which isn’t too shabby for an easy dinner idea, right? nutrient-loaded, tasty, and super satisfying—what more could you ask for in an easy fall dinner?

Conclusion

So there you have it! a comforting bowl of creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta that’s perfect for any weeknight.

Whether you're meal prepping or impressing friends, this recipe checks all the boxes. give it a whirl, and who knows? you may just find your new go-to dish in the treasure trove of 1lb of ground beef recipes and hearty fall recipes ! happy cooking, my friends!