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Homemade Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta photo

Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta

A simple, creamy pasta with tender chicken and fresh spinach ready in about 35 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander
  • Tongs or slotted spoon
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • all-purpose flour for dredging
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
  • 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions; reserve about 1/4 cup cooking water, then drain.
  • While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces and season with salt and pepper.
  • Lightly dredge the seasoned chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess.
  • Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink inside, about 5–7 minutes; remove the chicken to a plate.
  • Remove the pan from the heat briefly, then add the minced garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Return to medium heat and simmer for about 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, pour in the heavy cream, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes; reduce heat if the sauce bubbles vigorously.
  • Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
  • Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly.