There’s something magical about a dish that can comfort and delight at the same time. This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with Spinach does just that, marrying rich flavors and creamy textures with a pop of fresh spinach for balance. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary weeknight into a cozy dinner experience or makes a weekend gathering a little more special. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will find a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Let’s dive into why this recipe is a winner and how you can whip it up effortlessly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Before we dive into the step-by-step, let me tell you why this dish has become a favorite in my kitchen:

1. Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter sauce is rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, with the perfect balance of savory chicken, creamy Parmesan, and the slight bitterness of fresh spinach.
2. Comfort Meets Nutrition: While indulgent, this dish sneaks in fresh spinach for a dose of greens, making it feel a bit more balanced.
3. Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps and common pantry staples, this recipe is accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
4. Customizable: Whether you want to add mushrooms, switch up the pasta type, or spice it up with red pepper flakes, this dish is incredibly versatile.

Getting Started: Cooking the Pasta

The foundation of any pasta dish is, of course, the pasta itself. Here’s how to get it just right:

Ingredients for the Pasta

• 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
• Salt for pasta water

Instructions

1. Boil the Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Remember, salty water is key—it should taste like the sea.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add your pasta and cook until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Check the package for specific times, but typically this takes 8–10 minutes.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water. This starchy liquid will help thicken your sauce later.
4. Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set it aside. Toss it with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Pro Tip: Choose fettuccine for the perfect balance of sauce coating and bite, but don’t hesitate to swap in penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.

Preparing the Star: Flavorful Chicken

The chicken is seasoned to perfection and cooked until golden, adding a hearty element to this dish.

Ingredients for the Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoning blend ensures a flavorful bite in every piece.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken.
3. Cook Until Golden: Let the chicken cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
4. Set Aside: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Pro Tip: Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will give you a juicier, more flavorful result.

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Next Steps: Making the Sauce

Ready to turn those basic ingredients into something extraordinary? Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll tackle the creamy garlic butter sauce, bring in the spinach, and finish the dish to perfection. Trust me—you won’t want to miss the way all these elements come together!

Now that we’ve got the pasta cooked to perfection and the chicken golden and ready, it’s time to create the heart of this dish—the creamy garlic butter sauce. This step ties everything together, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s get started!

Whipping Up the Garlic Butter Sauce

The sauce is where the magic happens. With a luscious combination of butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan, it’s a velvety masterpiece that hugs every strand of pasta.

Ingredients for the Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet used for the chicken (hello, flavorful fond!), melt the butter over medium heat. Let it sizzle gently but don’t let it brown—you’re looking for a smooth, golden base.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. This step infuses the butter with a rich garlicky aroma.
3. Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—don’t rush this part; slow and steady wins the race!
4. Incorporate the Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.

Pro Tip: If you notice lumps while adding the Parmesan, make sure the sauce isn’t too hot. Remove the pan from the heat briefly and whisk vigorously to help the cheese melt evenly.

Adding Fresh Spinach for Balance

Now that the sauce is silky smooth, it’s time to bring in the spinach. This not only adds a pop of color but also a touch of freshness that balances the richness of the dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

1. Wilt the Spinach: Stir the fresh spinach into the simmering sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes, just until the leaves have wilted but still retain their vibrant green color.
2. Taste and Adjust: Give the sauce a quick taste. Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper, if needed. This is also a great moment to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Bringing It All Together

This is where the dish starts to shine as all the components come together in a single, glorious skillet.

Ingredients for Assembly

• Reserved cooked chicken
• Cooked pasta
• Reserved pasta water (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat it in the creamy sauce. The chicken will soak up all the garlicky goodness, making it even more flavorful.
2. Toss in the Pasta: Gently fold in the cooked pasta, tossing to ensure every noodle is coated in the sauce.
3. Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.

Pro Tip: Use tongs to toss the pasta and sauce together. It helps coat the noodles evenly and makes mixing a breeze.

Serving It Up

You’re almost there! This dish is best enjoyed fresh and piping hot.

Garnish Suggestions

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly chopped parsley
• A squeeze of lemon for brightness (optional)

Serve the pasta straight from the skillet or plate it up individually for a polished presentation. Pair with a simple side salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ve now got the recipe down, but maybe you still have some lingering questions or you’re curious about ways to elevate this dish. In this section, I’ll cover some frequently asked questions, storage tips, and a few fun variations to keep your pasta game fresh. Then, we’ll wrap things up with a warm and encouraging conclusion!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is a classic choice for creamy sauces, you can switch it up with spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Shorter pastas like penne or rigatoni are great for catching that creamy sauce in every bite.

2. What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works well, though it will give a slight coconut flavor.

3. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
The reserved pasta water is your best friend here! Add it gradually to the sauce as needed to loosen it up without diluting the flavor.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the components (like the chicken and sauce) ahead of time. Store them separately, and when ready to serve, toss everything together with freshly cooked pasta and a splash of warm broth or pasta water to reheat.

5. What can I add to enhance the flavor?
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a spicy kick, while a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors. For a smoky twist, try adding cooked bacon or sun-dried tomatoes.

6. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk, cream, or broth to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.

7. Can I freeze this dish?
The creamy sauce can sometimes separate when frozen and reheated, but if you’re okay with a slightly different texture, it’s doable. Store in an airtight container for up to a month, and reheat gently with added liquid to smooth out the sauce.

Tips for Success

• Season as You Go: Each component (the pasta water, chicken, and sauce) should be seasoned individually to build layers of flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Add the spinach at the very end to keep its vibrant green color and delicate texture.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating your own Parmesan cheese ensures the sauce melts smoothly without clumping.

Conclusion: Bring This Dish to Life in Your Kitchen

There you have it—Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with Spinach in all its glory! This recipe is truly a one-pan wonder that brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance to your table. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends, it’s a dish that never fails to impress.

Now it’s your turn! I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out for you. Did you make any fun additions or substitutions? Leave a comment below and share your experience. Better yet, snap a photo of your masterpiece and tag me on social media—I can’t wait to see your creations!

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with Spinach

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• Author: David

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Description

This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta with Spinach is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and fresh spinach are enveloped in a rich garlic butter cream sauce that’s as indulgent as it is easy to make.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
• Salt for pasta water

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Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.

Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

2️⃣ Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

4️⃣ Add Parmesan and Spinach

Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to wilt.

5️⃣ Combine the Dish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce.

Add the cooked pasta, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

6️⃣ Serve

Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish!

Notes

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or extra spinach.
• Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
• Reheating Tip: Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.