Healthy Chicken With Spinach and Pasta

By Diana Rattray

Updated 01/24/18

Chicken and Pasta
Chicken and Pasta. Cultura/Brett Stevens/Getty Images
Ratings (21)
  • Total: 35 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yield: 4 Servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
577 Calories
21g Fat
50g Carbs
47g Protein
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This tasty chicken and pasta dish is made with the addition of spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Serve with a tossed salad for a fabulous everyday meal.

More Chicken and Pasta Recipes

Chicken, Kale, and Pasta Bake With Cheese

Spicy Cajun Chicken and Pasta

Potluck Chicken and Macaroni Bake

Ingredients

  • 20 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 6 ounces dry pasta shells (or other similar pasta)
  • 1 pound chicken breast (boneless halves, grilled, cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 4 medium cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Dash salt (or to taste)
  • Dash freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, plus more for serving)

Steps to Make It

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook the spinach in the chicken broth, adding the spinach a little at a time as it wilts. Drain the spinach in a colander, reserving the broth. Press the spinach to squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible.

Cook pasta in a medium saucepan of boiling salted water according to package directions; drain.

Preheat a heavy skillet over medium heat. When the skillet is hot, add the oil and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, until the garlic is tender but not browned. Add the spinach and nutmeg. Taste and add salt and pepper. Add the grilled chicken chunks to the spinach; stir and add a small amount of the reserved cooking broth. Continue to cook, stirring and turning, until hot, adding broth as necessary.

Add the hot drained pasta shells to the spinach mixture and blend well. 

Sprinkle with the 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and serve immediately. Pass more Parmesan cheese at the table.