Alright, folks, if you’re looking for a dinner that’s equal parts fancy and super easy, I’ve got you covered with my Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Pasta. This recipe is like a hug in a bowl—creamy, cheesy, and flavorful yet easy. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes! Whether you’re feeding the fam or just treating yourself, this dish is perfect for when you want something that tastes gourmet without the hassle. Trust me, it’s a winner!
Try my Creamy Lemon and Green Pea Pasta recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
→ Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
→ Restaurant-Style Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with goodness—this pasta feels fancy without the hefty bill.
→ Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds (trust me on this one).
→ Packed with Veggies: Spinach and artichokes sneak in some greens, so you can feel a little better about indulging.
→ Customizable: Not a fan of chicken? Swap it out for shrimp or keep it veggie-friendly—it’s super flexible.
→ Comfort Food Vibes: Every bite is like a warm hug on a plate, and who doesn’t need that? 😊
Try my One Pot Spinach and Salmon Pasta recipe.
What You’ll Need To Make
Let’s talk about the star ingredients that make this pasta dish so darn good:
→ Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy, and protein-packed, they’re the perfect base for this creamy pasta. Plus, they cook up quickly, making this a time-saver.
→ Baby Spinach: Fresh and full of nutrients, it adds a pop of color and a sneaky dose of veggies to your dinner. Don’t worry—it wilts down perfectly into the sauce!
→ Artichoke Hearts: These little gems bring a tangy, slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
→ Low-Fat Cream Cheese & Almond Milk: The dream team for a rich and creamy sauce that won’t leave you feeling too heavy. Who knew indulgence could be this light?
→ Parmesan Cheese: Because, let’s be real, everything’s better with Parmesan. It’s the secret to that cheesy goodness we all crave.
→ Lentil Pasta: A protein-packed twist on regular pasta, so you can enjoy a bowl (or two) guilt-free!
Try my Vegan Marry Me Pasta Sensation recipe.
| Ingredients: Serves 4 |
|---|
| – 8 oz. (225g) lentil pasta |
| – 4x 4 oz. (115g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts |
| – 5 oz. (140g) baby spinach, roughly chopped |
| – 4 oz. (115g) low fat cream cheese, cut into chunks |
| – 6 fl oz. (180ml) almond milk, unsweetened |
| – 1.6 oz. (45g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra to garnish |
| – 2 tsp. garlic powder |
| – 14 oz. (400g) can artichoke hearts, rinsed, squeezed dry, chopped |
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s simple, flavorful, and totally satisfying. It’s like a little party in your mouth! 🎉
Try my Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake recipe.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 20 mins
1| Cook the pasta: Bring a big pot of water to a boil, toss in the pasta, and cook it just like the package says. Easy, right?
2| Sizzle up the chicken: Season your chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper (just a little sprinkle does the trick). Heat up a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then pop in the chicken. Cook it until it’s golden and hits 165°F in the thickest part—shouldn’t take too long! Once done, set it aside on a plate.
3| Get the spinach ready: In the same skillet, throw in your chopped spinach with a tablespoon of water. Cook it down for about 2 minutes. It’ll shrink up nicely.
4| Whip up the creamy sauce: Add the cream cheese and almond milk to the skillet. Stir it all around until the cheese melts into a dreamy sauce. Now, sprinkle in the Parmesan, garlic powder, and another pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until the sauce gets thick and creamy.
5| Bring it all together: Toss in the artichokes and the cooked pasta. Give everything a good mix to coat that pasta in the delicious sauce.
6| Assemble and serve: Divide the pasta into four bowls. Slice up the chicken and lay it on top like a pro. Sprinkle on some extra Parmesan (because why not?), and serve it up while it’s nice and hot!
Enjoy the cheesy, creamy goodness! 😋
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Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
Recipe Swaps
1| Pasta Swap: Not into lentil pasta? Go for whole wheat, gluten-free, or even classic spaghetti. For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash work great too!
2| Protein Swap: Skip the chicken and try shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a fresh twist. For a vegetarian version, leave out the meat altogether—there’s plenty of flavor to go around.
3| Dairy Swap: Need a dairy-free option? Use vegan cream cheese and almond-based Parmesan for the same creamy vibe.
Try my Red Pesto Pasta with Roasted Vegetables (Vegan) recipe.
Creative Tweaks
1| Add Some Spice: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick!
2| Boost the Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even some roasted bell peppers to make it extra hearty.
3| Herb It Up: Stir in fresh basil, parsley, or a touch of thyme for a flavor boost.
4| Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Mix in shredded mozzarella or gouda for an extra cheesy, gooey finish.
5| Lemon Zest Finish: Add a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest over the top for a bright, citrusy pop.
These swaps and tweaks let you make this recipe your own—so have fun experimenting! 🍝
Try my Roasted Red Pepper Walnut Sauce Pasta recipe.
Useful Tips for Success
1| Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it al dente since it’ll soak up some of that creamy sauce later—nobody wants mushy pasta!
2| Check Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked (165°F is the magic number). No guesswork needed!
3| Drain Artichokes Well: Squeeze out any extra liquid from the artichokes to avoid watering down your sauce.
4| Warm the Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for a bit—it’ll melt faster and blend smoother into the sauce.
5| Save Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. If the sauce gets too thick, a splash of this starchy goodness will help loosen it up.
6| Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate it yourself if you can—it melts better and gives the sauce a richer flavor.
7| Taste as You Go: Adjust the salt, pepper, and garlic powder to suit your taste buds. Everyone’s flavor preferences are different!
8| Prep Ingredients First: Chop, measure, and have everything ready before you start. It’s a quick recipe, so you don’t want to scramble mid-cooking.
9| Serve Immediately: This dish is best served fresh and hot, so get those plates ready before you mix everything together.
These tips will make your pasta dish even more foolproof and flavorful!
Try my Lump Crab and Sweet Corn Penne Pasta recipe.
Serving Ideas
1| Classic and Simple: Serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and a crack of black pepper. Add a sprig of fresh basil for a touch of flair.
2| Garlic Bread on the Side: Pair it with warm, crusty garlic bread or breadsticks for a meal that feels straight out of a trattoria.
3| Add a Salad: A crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta beautifully. Try Red Cabbage and Carrot Salad With Lemon Tahini Dressing recipe.
4| Wine Pairing: Enjoy it with a glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio—it’s a match made in foodie heaven!
5| Family-Style: Serve everything in a large, beautiful serving dish at the table and let everyone help themselves. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
6| Light and Fresh Finish: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top just before serving for a zesty twist that brightens up the creamy flavors.
7| For the Extra Hungry: Toss some roasted veggies, like broccoli or asparagus, right into the pasta for a more filling option.
These serving ideas will take your pasta night to the next level! 🍝
Try my Caprese Bowtie Pasta Salad recipe.
Storage Suggestions
Fridge Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This pasta reheats beautifully—just add a splash of almond milk or a little water to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.
Freezer Storage: For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, making sure it’s tightly sealed. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, defrost overnight in the fridge and heat gently on the stove with a little extra almond milk to revive that creamy texture.
Single-Serve Portions: If you prefer individual servings, divide the pasta into smaller portions before refrigerating or freezing. That way, you can easily grab just what you need for a quick lunch or dinner.
Storage Tips for the Chicken: If you have leftover chicken, you can store it separately from the pasta in the fridge or freezer to prevent it from getting too soggy. Just slice it up and add it back in when reheating.
These simple storage options will keep your creamy pasta fresh and ready to enjoy later! 🍝
Try my other dinner recipes, here.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Pasta that’s fancy enough to impress but simple enough to whip up any day of the week. The tender chicken, creamy sauce, and all that cheesy goodness will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top because, let’s be real, there’s no such thing as too much cheese. Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out—I’d love to hear your thoughts! Enjoy, my friends! 🍝
Recipe Card
Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Pasta
Quick, easy, and totally delicious! 😋 My creamy spinach and artichoke chicken pasta is packed with flavor, veggies, and cheesy goodness. It’s a dinner win every time!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. -
Step 2:
Season the chicken with 1⁄8 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning once, until browned and the thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate. -
Step 3:
Combine spinach with 1 tablespoon of water in a large skillet. Cook for 2 minutes over medium heat. -
Step 4:
Add cream cheese and milk to the skillet and stir to melt the cheese. Add Parmesan, garlic powder and the remaining salt and pepper; cook, whisking the sauce until thickened. Add artichokes and cooked pasta; toss to combine. -
Step 5:
Divide the pasta between 4 bowls. Thinly slice each chicken breast and arrange on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and serve.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Protein 23g46%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
