Chicken Spinach Alfredo, quick and easy meal with pasta, chicken, spinach, and Alfredo sauce made from scratch. Simple enough to make for busy weeknights and gourmet enough for special dinners.
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Being half Italian, I’m always making quick and simple pasta dishes. This Chicken Spinach Alfredo is no exception and a great fit with all my other Alfredo recipes. Full of pasta, chicken, spinach, and Alfredo sauce, it’s a great special occasion or weeknight dinner.
My other Alfredo recipes have been so popular like my Buffalo Chicken Alfredo and Chicken Alfredo Dip, I just had to come up with some more.
I took my Homemade Alfredo Sauce recipe (you could also use this Alfredo Sauce with Cream Cheese instead) added some pasta, chicken, and spinach and dinner in no time! Can’t beat a quick and easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
I used penne pasta, but you can use any kind of pasta. You could even use spaghetti squash or zoodles for a lower carb or gluten-free option.
Use your favorite protein or add another (such as sausage, pork, bacon, or shrimp), or your favorite vegetables (mushrooms, tomatoes, or broccoli would be good).
Chicken Spinach Alfredo Ingredients
- Pasta (such as penne, fettuccine, bowties, or your favorite noodles)
- Chicken, boneless skinless breasts
- Spinach
- Butter
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (good quality freshly grated)
How to Make Chicken Spinach Alfredo
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to box directions for al dente.
- Meanwhile, cook chicken in a large nonstick skillet (or skillet sprayed with nonstick spray or a little olive oil) over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes or until nearly cooked through. Add spinach and cook an additional 1-2 minutes or until spinach starts to wilt. Set aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce. Place a large pot over medium heat. Melt butter, then stir in minced garlic cloves. Cook about 1 minute or until garlic is soft and fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add the heavy cream to the saucepan, whisk until cream comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 3-5 minutes or until it starts to thicken.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese. Stir in chicken, spinach, and drained cooked pasta.
(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)
Serving Suggestions
- I’d suggest topping the pasta with a little fresh chopped parsley and/or freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.
- For best results, serve the pasta right away. Yes, you can reheat leftovers, but alfredo sauce generally tastes better right after it has been made.
- Serve this pasta dish with a salad and/or homemade bread like these tasty Fluffy Buttermilk Chive Biscuits or this simple homemade Beer Bread.
- You can also serve this pasta with a side vegetable such as steamed broccoli or even these Italian Green Beans or Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Like I mentioned above, I’d suggest serving this pasta dish immediately after you make it. You can reheat leftovers, but they might not be as delicious as right after making.
- Use your favorite kind of pasta if you’d like, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
- You can also use precooked chicken or grilled chicken instead of cooking it in the pan. This dish is a great way to use up some leftover chicken you have around.
- If you like a lot of pasta and/or sauce, you might want to double either or both in the recipe. Some people may find the serving size a bit on the small side. Likewise, if you prefer A LOT of sauce, you may want to double the sauce recipe. Personal preference.
Chicken Spinach Alfredo FAQ
How should I store Chicken Spinach Alfredo?
It’s best right away after it’s been cooked, but to store leftovers, cover and refrigerate.
Can I freeze the Chicken Spinach Alfredo pasta?
I would not recommend. The Alfredo sauce and cheese can change consistency when frozen.
How long will the pasta last?
Stored covered in the fridge it should last a few days.
Substitutions?
Instead of chicken, you could use your favorite protein (such as pork, bacon, sausage, or shrimp) and instead of spinach you could use your favorite veggies (such as tomatoes, mushroom, or broccoli). Use any pasta you’d like, just be sure to cook to al dente.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
I would not recommend using lower fat cream or cheese. It may result in more of a grainy thin Alfredo sauce.
What else can I add to this recipe?
See above in substitutions for other ideas for proteins and veggies. You could also add some Cajun seasoning or ground cayenne for a spicy version. A little pesto, like this Spinach Basil Pesto, would be great to mix in or drizzle on top.
What should I serve the pasta with?
See above for more serving suggestions, but I’d recommend a simple salad or side vegetable.
Didn’t turn out, what went wrong?
Be sure you didn’t use a low-fat cream/milk or cheese.
Can I make this vegan, vegetarian, low carb, or gluten-free?
Vegan – You can try vegan dairy and cheese in this but results could vary quite a bit.
Vegetarian – Omit the chicken.
Low-Carb – Swap out the pasta for a lower carb pasta, zoodles, or spaghetti squash.
Gluten-Free – Swap out the pasta for a gluten-free pasta, zoodles, or spaghetti squash.
Other Chicken Recipes You May Enjoy
- Bruschetta Chicken – Chicken topped with lots of veggies.
- Nacho Chicken – Quick and easy dinner that is also kid-friendly and low carb.
- Simple Orange Baked Chicken – Baked chicken drumsticks with an easy orange sauce.
- Chicken, Spinach, and Artichoke Lasagna – so much goodness in one lasagna!
Hope you enjoy this easy Chicken Spinach Alfredo. Tell me in the comments if you added any other veggies.
Shop the Post:
If you like this recipe, check out my Cajun Shrimp Alfredo and Fettuccine Alfredo!
Chicken Spinach Alfredo
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into small cubes
- 6 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 3 cups)
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to box directions for al dente.
- Meanwhile, cook chicken in a large nonstick skillet (or skillet sprayed with nonstick spray or a little olive oil) over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes or until nearly cooked through. Add spinach and cook an additional 1-2 minutes or until spinach starts to wilt. Set aside.
- Place a large pot over medium heat. Melt butter, then stir in minced garlic cloves. Cook about 1 minute or until garlic is soft and fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add the heavy cream to the saucepan, whisk until cream comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 3-5 minutes or until it starts to thicken.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese. Stir in chicken, spinach, and drained cooked pasta.
Notes
Robin says
I just had chicken alfredo for lunch – love it. Bet it would be good with spinach. I am sure it would be better than mine.
Robin
Pat Harmon says
Sounds like my kind of meal, Lisa. Pinned it to make later.
Lisa Huff says
Thanks Pat!