30 Minute Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
we used penne
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 3 Tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 2 Tablespoons cream cheese
optional
- 1 1/2 cups shredded parmesan cheese
plus extra for garnish
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3 heaping cups fresh spinach
lightly chopped
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
step 1
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- 1
Cook the penne in very salty water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water (reserve more if doubling or tripling the recipe), then drain pasta and return the pot to the stove.
- 2
Add butter to pot and melt over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- 3
Add flour to butter and whisk to combine. Let cook for 1 minute until fragrant and lightly browned.
- 4
Add milk a little at a time, whisking constantly to work out any lumps. Milk will thicken up quickly at the beginning, but as you whisk the rest of the milk in it will loosen the sauce.
- 5
Cook sauce, whisking occasionally, until thickened, about 6 minutes.
- 6
Add chicken, spinach, and cream cheese. Stir until cheese has melted.
- 7
Turn off the heat and stir in parmesan cheese.
- 8
Return cooked pasta to sauce and stir to combine. Stir in the reserved pasta water a few Tablespoons at a time until sauce is smooth and creamy (you may not need all of the pasta water.)
- 9
Taste the pasta! Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh cracked black pepper (optional) and serve immediately.
30 Minute Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
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About this Recipe
Searching for a comforting, satisfying meal that comes together in a flash? This 30 Minute Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta is your answer, delivering rich flavors and creamy textures perfect for any weeknight. The magic lies in crafting a luscious, homemade parmesan sauce from scratch using simple pantry staples like butter, flour, and milk, elevated by the optional touch of cream cheese for extra decadence. This clever approach ensures a fresh, vibrant taste that easily surpasses store-bought alternatives, all while integrating tender chicken and healthy spinach.
Prepare for a truly indulgent experience with every forkful. You'll find al dente pasta coated generously in a velvety smooth, cheesy sauce, brightened by the earthy notes of fresh spinach and savory cooked chicken. The sauce is rich but balanced, featuring the sharp tang of parmesan and a hint of garlic, creating a deeply satisfying dish that feels both hearty and surprisingly light.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to make this recipe your own! While penne is suggested, any short pasta like rotini or fusilli would work beautifully. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add extra spinach or even some sautéed mushrooms. If you don't have cream cheese, the sauce will still be wonderfully creamy with just the milk and parmesan, though the cream cheese adds an extra layer of richness.
This creamy chicken spinach pasta is ideal for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal without the fuss, serving a satisfying portion for four. A simple side salad or crusty bread would perfectly complement the rich flavors.