When the craving hits for something rich, comforting, and utterly satisfying—but you only have 35 minutes to spare—this Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta answers the call. It’s everything you want in a hearty pasta dish: tender bites of golden-seared chicken, a velvety garlic-infused sauce, fresh wilted spinach, and perfectly cooked penne that holds every drop of flavor. Even better, it all comes together in one pan with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or need a go-to dinner that impresses without stress, this dish checks all the boxes. Packed with protein, easy on the prep, and deeply comforting, it just might earn a regular spot in your rotation.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta That’s Ready in 35 Minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
A rich and creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta made with tender chicken breast, fresh spinach, light cream cheese, and penne pasta—all ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
1.1 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into bite-size strips
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooking spray or olive oil for the pan
6 cloves garlic, finely minced
9 ounces dry penne pasta
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup 2% milk
3.5 ounces light cream cheese, cubed
1 tablespoon cornstarch
10 ounces fresh spinach
1 ounce finely grated Parmesan-style cheese
Water, as needed (for cornstarch slurry and pasta)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2. Heat a deep skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or oil.
3. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, then add it to the hot pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Lightly coat the pan again if needed. Add the garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly so it does not brown.
5. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the chicken stock and let it simmer briefly, loosening any flavorful bits from the pan.
6. Cook the penne in the boiling water until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/3 cup of the pasta water. Drain and set aside.
7. Add the remaining chicken stock, milk, and cream cheese to the skillet. Simmer over medium heat, whisking gently until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
8. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a splash of cold water to form a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and simmer until slightly thickened.
9. Return the chicken to the pan along with the spinach. Cook for a few minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is fully cooked through.
10. Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and grated cheese. Stir until everything is well coated and the cheese melts into the sauce.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
12. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
You can use frozen spinach in place of fresh—just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding. For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta
Few dishes hit that sweet spot between quick and indulgent quite like a skillet full of creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta. It delivers restaurant-style comfort but leans into weeknight practicality.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity. There’s no need for heavy cream or complicated steps—just a clever combination of cream cheese, milk, and cornstarch to build a smooth, rich sauce. Combined with chicken stock and garlic, the flavor goes deep fast. You get richness without excess, and the spinach brings a fresh, almost bright contrast that keeps the whole dish from feeling too heavy.
Pasta lovers looking for a 20-minute chicken lasagna skillet or anything creamy and skillet-friendly will find this dish equally satisfying. It’s fast, flavorful, and doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dishes.
There’s also a nutritional edge here—this pasta is surprisingly high in protein and uses lighter dairy options without sacrificing taste. The combination of creamy texture and wholesome ingredients makes it a dish you’ll feel good serving.
Whether you’re familiar with other creamy spinach chicken pasta dishes or this is your first time pairing those flavors, this recipe offers a fresh take. It’s both family-friendly and dinner-party worthy, which is not something you can say about most 35-minute meals.
Building Bold Flavor With Garlic and Spinach
When a dish relies on simple ingredients, each one has to shine—and that’s exactly what happens with garlic in this creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta. Fresh garlic (not the jarred kind) adds an unmistakable depth, especially when it’s gently sautéed in the same skillet used to sear the chicken. Those caramelized bits from the pan don’t go to waste—they enrich the sauce and amplify the flavor.
Spinach does more than add a pop of green. Its earthiness plays beautifully against the creaminess of the sauce and adds a gentle bitterness that balances the richness. It wilts down to a soft, silky texture that doesn’t compete with the penne or chicken but complements both.
It’s the layering of flavor that makes this dish so much more than the sum of its parts. From the garlic blooming in olive oil to the way the chicken stock picks up every bit of golden fond from the pan, you get maximum flavor without needing dozens of ingredients.
Creamy chicken spinach pasta dishes often get weighed down, but this one manages to feel light yet indulgent. It’s that smart balance of aromatics and greens that keeps every bite interesting.
Getting the Creamy Sauce Just Right
One of the standout features of this recipe is how luxuriously creamy the sauce turns out—without using heavy cream. The secret? A combination of milk and light cream cheese whisked into chicken stock, then finished with a touch of cornstarch slurry to thicken everything just enough to coat the pasta beautifully.
Cream cheese offers a tangy richness that balances out the garlic and gives the sauce body. As it melts, it blends seamlessly with the stock and milk into a smooth, glossy base. It’s a method that feels lighter and fresher than a traditional butter-cream reduction, and it happens fast.
A well-timed cornstarch slurry (just a tablespoon mixed with cold water) adds the perfect amount of thickness without making the sauce gloopy. It clings to the penne like a dream, soaking into every ridge without overwhelming the dish.
Best of all, this sauce is made in the same pan as the chicken and garlic, so every bit of browned flavor becomes part of the final dish. There’s no need for extra pots or complicated roux methods. It’s weeknight efficiency with a weekend payoff.
Cooking the Chicken to Golden Perfection
The key to really excellent creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta is getting the chicken just right—and that starts with seasoning. A simple sprinkle of salt and black pepper might seem basic, but it makes all the difference when seared in a hot pan. The chicken cooks quickly in thin strips, picking up color without drying out.
After just a few minutes per side, the pieces are golden outside and juicy inside, ready to rest while you build the sauce. This brief searing step also leaves behind all those flavor-packed bits in the pan—exactly what you want for the next phase.
As the garlic cooks and the sauce simmers, the chicken goes back in to finish gently. This method keeps the meat tender and ensures it’s fully infused with the garlic-parmesan flavors of the dish.
Finishing the dish with a splash of reserved pasta water might seem like a throwaway detail, but it’s actually essential. That starchy liquid brings everything together, loosening the sauce just enough and helping it cling to every noodle.
Time-Saving Tips for Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
Speed doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, especially if you’re strategic with your prep. One of the best tricks for getting this creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta on the table fast is prepping as you go. While the pasta water comes to a boil, slice your chicken and mince the garlic. You’ll have everything ready to drop into the skillet by the time the water is bubbling.
Don’t have penne? Fusilli, rotini, or even rigatoni all work well and catch the sauce beautifully. Light cream cheese keeps things lighter, but full-fat works just as well if that’s what you have. No fresh spinach? Frozen will do in a pinch—just thaw and drain well before adding.
This recipe is also perfect for make-ahead lunches. It holds up beautifully in the fridge, and a splash of water or milk will bring the sauce back to life when reheated. Store it in airtight containers for up to 4 days and enjoy easy meals all week.
And if you loved the fast-fix vibe of this dish, be sure to try this quick creamy chicken bacon pasta—it’s another crowd-pleaser with serious weeknight appeal.
Variations on Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta
While the base recipe is delicious as-is, it also invites plenty of personalization. Want to turn this into a baked pasta? Just transfer the finished dish to a baking dish, top with mozzarella or more Parmesan, and broil for a few minutes until bubbly.
You can also swap proteins to fit your preferences or what’s in the fridge. Shrimp cooks up fast and adds a briny pop that complements the creaminess. Ground turkey works well too, and for a meatless version, try mushrooms or white beans for texture and protein.
Gluten-free pasta can easily be used here—just be sure not to overcook it, as it can break down faster than wheat-based noodles. And if you’re watching dairy, try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and almond or oat milk. You’ll still get that creamy texture with fewer allergens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between creamy spinach chicken pasta and Alfredo?
Alfredo typically uses butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan to form its signature sauce. This creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta is lighter and uses milk and cream cheese for creaminess, with garlic as the dominant flavor. It’s less rich but just as satisfying.
Can I make chicken spinach pasta with no cream?
Absolutely. You can swap the cream cheese and milk for a dairy-free alternative or use a combination of chicken broth and puréed cauliflower for a creamy, dairy-free twist. Just be sure to taste and season well to enhance flavor.
How do I store leftovers and reheat them?
Let the pasta cool, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. It holds up well for meal prep.
What pasta shapes work best with this dish?
Penne is ideal because it holds sauce well, but other short pastas like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle also work. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti, which don’t pair as well with the chunky sauce and chicken pieces.
Final Thoughts on Creamy Garlic Chicken and Spinach Pasta
This creamy garlic chicken and spinach pasta is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a reminder that you don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to enjoy real comfort food. The balance of bold garlic, silky sauce, and hearty chicken makes it a standout, even among other popular creamy pasta recipes.
It’s flexible, family-friendly, and quick enough to throw together after work. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crew, it brings comfort and flavor to the table with minimal effort.
And if you’re a fan of weeknight pasta magic, pair it with a crisp side salad or roasted veggies and call it a night—you’ve earned it.
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