Creamy Chicken Pasta With Spinach

Creamy chicken pasta is a delicious blend of pasta, chicken, spinach, and a creamy sauce. The creamy sauce is a beautiful blend of sweet and spicy from the use of tomato paste and red pepper flakes.

Recipe Highlights

• It is DELICIOUS!
• This pasta dish is economical; the recipe makes six servings.
• This recipe is quick-and-easy, which makes it a perfect weeknight meal.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Pasta - The beauty of this recipe is that almost any type of pasta will do. While I used penne, any variety will work with the sauce and other ingredients. Linguine is a great option as well as rigatoni.
• Olive Oil and Butter
• Chicken Breast - This recipe calls for 8oz. of boneless, skinless chicken breast. This is generally about two chicken breasts. Chicken sausage would also work well.
• Baby Spinach - I love using spinach in pasta recipes. In place of the baby spinach, cooked broccolini or swiss chard would work well with the other ingredients.
• Fresh Basil - Fresh basil is a key component in the flavoring of this dish.
• Tomato Paste - The subtle orange color of this creamy chicken pasta is thanks to the use of tomato paste. It adds sweetness in addition to a necessary acidic flavor to pair with the cream.
• Vodka - The vodka balances out the sweetness coming from the tomato paste. Additionally, it is essential for deglazing any brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
• Heavy Cream - The luscious creaminess of this recipe comes from the use of heavy cream.
• Red Pepper Flakes - Red pepper flakes bring forth an addictive spiciness to this pasta. You can, however, easily omit them from this recipe.
• Salt and Pepper
• Parmesan Cheese - The cheese is in the sauce as well as used for garnish.

Expert Tips

Tear the basil instead of chopping it with a knife. The less force put upon the delicate leaves, the more fragrant they will be.

Cut the chicken in slices or cubes based upon the shape of pasta you use.

Don't forget to salt the pasta water and make sure to wait for a rolling boil before adding the dried pasta. Cook according to package instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this pasta be made in advance? Ideally, this pasta should not be made in advance. It is best served immediately after it is made when it is at its creamiest state.

How should Creamy Chicken Pasta be stored? Store this pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What is the best way to reheat this pasta? Stir in an extra tablespoon or two of cream. Reheat in the microwave or in a large non-stick pan with a small amount of olive oil or melted butter.

When should I take out the starchy pasta water? Reserve a ¼ cup of starchy water right before draining the pasta.

Other Pasta Recipes You'll Love

• Orecchiette with Sausage and Peas
• Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
• Easy Beef Meatball Recipe
• 10-Minute Hearts of Palm Pasta

This creamy chicken pasta with spinach is perfect for any night of the week. It makes a lot, which is great if you need to feed a group. Serve with crusty bread and wine for a complete pasta night experience.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? Please leave a star rating and review on my website!