Chicken Pasta With Spinach And Garlic

Name: Chicken Pasta With Spinach And Garlic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine); 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Highlighted under: Simple Pleasures

I absolutely love preparing Chicken Pasta With Spinach And Garlic! It combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and aromatic garlic, creating a dish that's both comforting and delicious. When I'm in the mood for something quick yet satisfying, this recipe never disappoints. The vibrant colors and rich flavors not only make it a feast for the eyes but also for the taste buds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a small gathering, this pasta dish brings a special touch that everyone will enjoy.

Created by

Eliza Thornton

Last updated on 2026-02-27T18:20:47.448Z

Making Chicken Pasta With Spinach And Garlic has become one of my go-to meals for its rich flavors and simplicity. I discovered this dish during one of my busy work weeks, and it has saved me many times with its quick prep and cook time. I find that using fresh spinach not only enhances the taste but also adds vibrant color to the dish!

One tip I learned is to sauté the garlic until it's just golden before adding the chicken. This step ensures a deeper garlic flavor infuses into the meat, complementing the entire meal. It’s amazing how such simple techniques can elevate a dish!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A perfect balance of protein and veggies
Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion
Deliciously aromatic with fresh garlic and herbs

The Role of Fresh Ingredients

Fresh ingredients are crucial in this Chicken Pasta With Spinach And Garlic recipe. The spinach, when freshly chopped, provides a vibrant green color and a delicate texture that enhances the dish's visual appeal and nutritional value. It cooks quickly, retaining some of its bite, which adds a wonderful contrast against the tender chicken and soft pasta. Using fresh herbs rather than dried can also elevate the flavors, as they impart a brightness that dried varieties might lack.

The quality of garlic plays an essential role in creating the aromatic essence of this dish. Opt for fresh garlic cloves that have a firm texture and a strong aroma. Mince them just before cooking to release their essential oils and enhance their flavor intensity. If you find yourself short on fresh garlic, you can substitute with garlic powder, but note that you may need to adjust the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish.

Cooking Techniques to Master

Sautéing the chicken in a skillet is a key technique that ensures the meat remains juicy and flavorful. A tip I recommend is to let the chicken rest after cooking for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, preventing dryness and enhancing the overall flavor. Additionally, make sure your skillet is preheated properly; a hot pan will promote browning, creating a delicious crust.

An effective method for incorporating the flavors of garlic and spinach is to sauté them just until fragrant. This usually takes about a minute. Garlic can burn quickly, leading to a bitter taste, so keep an eye on it and adjust the heat if necessary. Once you add the spinach to the skillet, cook just until its leaves are wilted and vibrant green, indicating that it has absorbed the garlic's aroma without losing its freshness.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Make sure you have these ingredients ready!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Chicken Pasta With Spinach And Garlic:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove from skillet and slice.

Add Garlic and Spinach

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then add the chopped spinach. Cook until wilted.

Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve

Serve hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal!

Now that you've followed all the steps, it’s time to dig in!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice at the end or some chopped herbs like basil or parsley.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're looking to save time, consider preparing certain elements of this dish in advance. The chicken can be seasoned and cooked a day ahead, then stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the skillet while you cook the pasta and spinach, ensuring everything comes together easily without compromising the taste.

You can also prepare the garlic and spinach ahead of time. Sauté the garlic until fragrant and then add the spinach, cooking just until wilted. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to cook, complete the dish by adding the prepped ingredients to the pasta and chicken, allowing for quick assembly without sacrificing flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Any leftovers of Chicken Pasta With Spinach And Garlic should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept for 2-3 days while still maintaining its flavor and texture. Be sure to cool it down before sealing to prevent condensation inside the container.

When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan to prevent it from drying out. Stir gently until heated through; this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the pasta mushy, and may not heat the chicken evenly. Reheating on the stovetop retains the dish's original flair.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the dish.

→ What type of pasta works best with this recipe?

I recommend using penne or fettuccine, but any pasta you love will work great!

→ Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and then cook it just before serving for the best texture.

→ What can I substitute for chicken?

You can use shrimp or tofu as an alternative protein in this recipe.