Spinach Chicken Alfredo Delight

Spinach Chicken Alfredo Delight is a rich, creamy, and satisfying pasta dish that combines tender chicken, sautéed spinach, and fettuccine in a velvety Alfredo sauce. It’s an easy-to-make comfort meal that feels indulgent but comes together in a single skillet with just a few wholesome ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe brings together the buttery richness of Alfredo with the freshness of spinach and the heartiness of chicken. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, yet still simple enough for a quick dinner. Whether I’m cooking for the family or enjoying leftovers the next day, this dish always hits the spot.

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)
salt
black pepper
garlic powder
olive oil or butter
garlic (minced)
fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
fettuccine or pasta of choice
heavy cream
grated parmesan cheese
cream cheese (optional for extra richness)
milk (to thin the sauce if needed)
optional: crushed red pepper flakes, parsley for garnish

directions

1. I cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.

2. I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil or butter over medium heat and sauté the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. I remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

4. In the same skillet, I add a bit more oil or butter if needed and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

5. I add the spinach and cook until wilted, then pour in the heavy cream and stir in the parmesan cheese (and cream cheese if using).

6. I stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy, then return the chicken to the skillet.

7. I add the cooked pasta and toss everything together, using a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

8. I serve it hot, topped with extra parmesan, parsley, or crushed red pepper flakes if I want a little kick.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in around 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth. I’ve used penne, linguine, or even tortellini instead of fettuccine. For a lighter version, I swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. And when I want a shortcut, I use rotisserie chicken.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the stove or microwave and add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. I avoid high heat so the sauce doesn’t separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, I thaw and squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the sauce. It works great when I don’t have fresh spinach on hand.

What type of pasta is best?

I like using fettuccine for that classic Alfredo feel, but any pasta shape will work—penne, bowties, or spaghetti are all great options.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, I cook everything and store it in the fridge. I reheat gently with a bit of milk or cream to refresh the sauce before serving.

How can I make this dish lighter?

I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and go lighter on the cheese. It’s still creamy, just not as rich.

Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s creamy, cheesy, and mild in flavor, so it’s always a hit with kids. I sometimes skip the red pepper flakes to keep it more family-friendly.

Conclusion

Spinach Chicken Alfredo Delight is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that brings together everything I love in a weeknight dinner—flavor, simplicity, and that perfect balance of indulgent and fresh. With tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and nutritious spinach, it’s a complete and delicious meal I’m always happy to serve.

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