Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta with Chicken Delight

Recipe By:
Melisa Egan
Updated:

The aroma of bubbling cheese and garlic wafts through the air as you prepare to dive into a bowl of Spinach Artichoke Pasta with Chicken. Imagine twirling your fork through creamy, cheesy goodness, with every bite bursting with flavor and texture. It’s a dish that not only satisfies but also delights, making it an instant favorite at any dinner table.

Picture this: You’re hosting a gathering, and everyone is raving about your culinary skills. The secret? This delightful pasta dish that has stolen hearts (and stomachs) everywhere. Perfect for cozy family dinners or lively gatherings, each mouthful promises comfort and joy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Spinach Artichoke Pasta with Chicken is simple to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
  • Combining rich flavors with vibrant colors, it’s both a feast for the eyes and the palate.
  • The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with tender chicken, creating a satisfying meal everyone will love.
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on what you have in your pantry!

I’ll never forget the time I made this recipe for my friends’ game night; they were singing my praises like I was some sort of culinary rock star!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well. Adjust depending on how many hungry mouths you need to feed.

  • Fresh Spinach: Opt for bright green leaves; they add color and nutrients while wilting perfectly in the sauce.

  • Canned Artichoke Hearts: Look for marinated ones for added flavor; they provide a delightful tanginess to the dish.

  • Pasta (Fusilli or Penne): Choose your favorite pasta shape; it’s all about personal preference here!

  • Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a luxuriously creamy texture that melds beautifully in the sauce.

  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best! It adds depth and richness that elevates the entire dish.

  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they bring aromatic warmth and flavor to every bite.

  • Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances flavor while helping to sauté ingredients perfectly without sticking.

  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; they balance out all the flavors beautifully.

  • Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth helps control saltiness while adding moisture and depth to the sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Spinach Artichoke Pasta with Chicken

How to Make Spinach Artichoke Pasta with Chicken

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side.

Add Aromatics: Once chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute—scraping up any delicious brown bits left behind.

Create the Sauce: Lower heat and add cream cheese along with chicken broth into the skillet. Stir gently until cream cheese melts into a creamy consistency before incorporating spinach and artichokes.

Toss Everything Together: Slice cooked chicken into strips or cubes before adding it back into the skillet along with drained pasta. Mix everything well so that every piece gets coated in that luscious sauce.

Finish It Off: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over your creation while stirring gently until melted throughout—this should take about 2 minutes. Serve hot with additional cheese if desired!

Now you’ve got yourself an irresistible meal that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your table!

Content

Using fresh spinach enhances flavor; wilted or frozen spinach can turn your dish mushy. I learned this the hard way during my first attempt.

Adding cream cheese gives a rich texture and binds the pasta with the sauce. Your taste buds will thank you for this delicious addition.

Don’t overcook the chicken; juicy chicken elevates your Spinach Artichoke Pasta with Chicken. Trust me, nobody likes dry chicken!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in moisture, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy spinach-artichoke sauce. This efficient sequence ensures everything is perfectly timed and delicious.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in kale for spinach or use sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. You can even add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to preserve creaminess and avoid drying out.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Make sure your pan is hot before adding chicken; this prevents sticking and ensures a good sear.
  • Use fresh herbs for more vibrant flavors, and don’t skip the cheese—it’s essential!

During a family gathering, my cousin declared this dish “life-changing” after just one bite. That moment solidified my love for cooking—and baking too!

FAQ

What type of pasta works best?

Fusilli or penne holds sauce well and offers a delightful texture in every bite.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a hearty vegetarian option that’s still satisfying.

How can I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to kick up the heat in your Spinach Artichoke Pasta with Chicken.

Print

Spinach Artichoke Pasta with Chicken

Indulge in a bowl of Spinach Artichoke Pasta with Chicken, where rich flavors and creamy textures come together to create a comforting dish that will impress family and friends alike. Tender chicken meets fresh spinach and tangy artichokes in a luscious sauce, making this recipe perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings. Easy to prepare and highly adaptable, this delightful pasta dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lb)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained
  • 8 oz fusilli or penne pasta
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
  4. Lower the heat and add cream cheese and chicken broth; stir until smooth. Then incorporate spinach and artichokes.
  5. Slice cooked chicken into strips or cubes, return to skillet, and mix in the drained pasta. Stir gently until everything is well combined.
  6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top while stirring until melted.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 250g)
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 49g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: For added flavor variations, substitute kale for spinach or include sun-dried tomatoes. For extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.

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