Name: Spinach Chicken Alfredo Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 oz cream cheese (optional); 3 cups fresh spinach leaves; 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp Italian seasoning or a pinch of nutmeg (optional)

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This spinach chicken Alfredo delight is one of my favorite creamy pasta dishes—rich, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and fresh spinach. It’s a comforting, restaurant-style meal I can make right at home, and it comes together in just one skillet. Every bite is velvety, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together juicy chicken, savory Parmesan Alfredo sauce, and the subtle earthiness of spinach in the most delicious way. It’s hearty without feeling too heavy and comes together in about 30 minutes. Whether I’m making dinner for the family or treating myself, this dish never disappoints.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
Olive oil or butter
Garlic, minced
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, grated
Cream cheese (optional, for extra richness)
Fresh spinach leaves
Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine work well)
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning or nutmeg (optional for added depth)

Directions

I cook the pasta according to package directions, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the chicken until golden and cooked through. I season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
I remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same pan, I add a little more butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
I pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the Parmesan and cream cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
I add the spinach and cook until wilted, then return the chicken to the pan.
I add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, I loosen it with a bit of the reserved pasta water.
I serve it hot, topped with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. It takes about 10–15 minutes to prep and another 20 minutes to cook, making it a great 30-minute dinner option.

Variations

Sometimes I add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor. I’ve also used rotisserie chicken to save time. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of cream. When I want more greens, I toss in arugula or kale with the spinach.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce. It reheats well in the microwave, too, though the sauce thickens slightly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, I’ve used thawed frozen spinach—just be sure to squeeze out the excess liquid before adding it to the sauce.

What pasta works best?

I usually go with fettuccine or penne, but any pasta I love will work. Short shapes are easier to toss with the creamy sauce.

Can I make this ahead?

It’s best fresh, but I sometimes make the sauce and chicken ahead and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, I cook the pasta and combine everything in the skillet.

Is this dish gluten-free?

If I use gluten-free pasta, yes. The sauce itself doesn’t contain any flour or thickeners.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, though the sauce will be lighter and less rich. I use whole milk and add a bit of cream cheese to help thicken it.

Conclusion

Spinach chicken Alfredo delight is the ultimate creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich Alfredo sauce for a meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether I’m cooking for guests or making a cozy dinner for myself, this recipe delivers indulgent flavor with simple, everyday ingredients. It’s one of those dishes that always finds its way back into my weekly rotation.