Tangy & Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this mouthwatering creamy spinach artichoke chicken pasta that combines comfort and elegance in one skillet.

The rich, velvety sauce coats every strand of pasta with incredible flavor and depth.

Tender chicken mingles with hearty spinach and tangy artichoke hearts, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of creamy goodness and savory protein.

The simple yet sophisticated dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy home cooks who refuse to compromise on taste.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this pasta will become your new go-to meal that satisfies both hunger and culinary curiosity.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and transform an ordinary evening into a delectable dining experience.

How to Cook Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken breasts into thinner pieces. Sprinkle with seasonings to enhance flavor profile.

• Skillet Cooking

Heat pan with olive oil until surface shimmers. Sear chicken until golden brown on each side. Allow meat to rest and develop tenderness.

• Pasta Foundation

Boil water in large pot. Cook pasta until soft yet firm. Drain completely.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Return skillet to stove. Pour cream and cheese into pan, stirring until smooth and velvety. Adjust consistency by adding milk gradually.

• Final Assembly

Combine pasta, artichoke pieces, and fresh spinach into sauce. Gently fold ingredients to ensure even coating. Top with sliced chicken. Serve immediately while warm and fragrant.

Pro Tips & Tweaks for Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Cheese Swap Adventure: Experiment with different cheeses like fontina, gruyère, or asiago for unique flavor profiles that transform the classic recipe.
• Protein Power Play: Substitute chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled salmon, or crispy tofu to create exciting meal variations that suit different dietary preferences.
• Veggie Boost Technique: Toss in roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to add extra texture and depth to the creamy pasta dish.
• Spice Level Upgrade: Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of smoked paprika, or include minced garlic for a bolder, more complex taste that elevates the entire meal.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sauce and chicken separately, storing them in the refrigerator for up to two days, then quickly assemble and reheat for a stress-free weeknight dinner solution.

Serving Style Ideas for Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta

• Flavor Burst Companions: Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish.
• Bread Basket Delight: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying crunch to your meal.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the creamy, cheesy flavors with a chilled glass of unoaked chardonnay or a light pinot grigio that balances the dish's velvety texture.
• Veggie Sidekick: Add a simple roasted vegetable medley like asparagus, bell peppers, or roasted cherry tomatoes to bring extra color and nutritional balance to the plate.

Plan Ahead: Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta Storage Guide

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals that stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Separate pasta and chicken before freezing to maintain ideal texture. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, which keep well for up to 2 months.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm refrigerated portions in a skillet with a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent sauce separation and maintain original flavor profile.
• Ingredient Prep Hack: Chop chicken and artichoke hearts in advance during meal prep sessions, storing separately in sealed containers to streamline cooking process and save valuable time during busy weeknights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 701 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient Lineup for Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides a hearty base for the dish, choose fresh, plump breasts with minimal visible fat.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Crucial for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients, use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden sear on the chicken and adds a delicate, fruity undertone.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety texture that binds the sauce together.
• Milk: Helps balance the richness of the cream and creates a smoother consistency.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers a stretchy, melty element that adds comfort and richness to the pasta.

• Artichoke Hearts: Brings a tangy, slightly nutty flavor and tender texture to the dish.
• Spinach: Adds vibrant green color, nutrients, and a subtle earthy taste.
• Penne Pasta: Provides a perfect vessel for holding the creamy sauce, with ridges that trap flavors.

Tools & Prep Gear for Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
• Large pot: Needed for boiling pasta to perfect al dente texture.
• Cutting board: Use for slicing chicken breasts and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Required for cutting chicken into thin slices and bite-sized pieces.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta and spinach quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring cups: Useful for accurate milk and cream measurements.

Dreamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory chicken pasta blends rich artichoke spinach sauce with hearty noodles for a comforting Mediterranean-inspired meal. Creamy textures and bold flavors invite diners to experience a delightful culinary journey through simple, satisfying ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lb (680 grams) chicken breasts
• 1.5 cups (170 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 8 oz (226 grams) penne pasta
• 14 oz (397 grams) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 8 oz (226 grams) spinach, frozen, thawed completely, and drained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thin, even cutlets that will cook uniformly and remain tender.
2. Season and Sear: Generously season cutlets with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden-brown, approximately 5 minutes per side.
3. Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove chicken from heat, let rest to preserve moisture, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
4. Cook Pasta: Bring water to a rolling boil in a large pot, cook penne until al dente, then drain thoroughly while maintaining its slight firmness.
5. Craft Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, create a velvety sauce by introducing heavy cream, shredded cheese, and milk, stirring continuously until smooth and gently bubbling.
6. Combine and Finish: Fold cooked penne into the creamy sauce, add artichoke hearts and spinach, then top with prepared chicken pieces, seasoning to taste.

Notes

• Slice Smartly: Carefully cut chicken breasts horizontally for even thickness, ensuring uniform cooking and tender meat texture.
• Season Generously: Salt and pepper chicken cutlets thoroughly to build a robust flavor foundation before cooking.
• Perfect Pasta Technique: Boil pasta until al dente, maintaining a slight resistance when biting, which prevents mushy texture.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Stir cheese and cream slowly, adjusting milk quantity to create a smooth, clingy sauce that coats pasta perfectly without becoming too thin or thick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 701
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 582 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 49 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg