Save This Skillet Chicken Alfredo with Spinach is my answer to a crave-worthy dinner that feels restaurant special but comes together in thirty minutes with a single pan. Velvety parmesan sauce hugs juicy chicken and tender greens for a meal hearty enough for weeknights yet pretty enough for company. My kitchen smells incredible every time I make this skillet pasta and it disappears fast around the table.
I first created this during a crazy week when I needed something comforting but not time-consuming. My kids licked their plates and my husband asked for seconds. Now it is in regular rotation at our house.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: delivers juicy bites and cooks quickly make sure to use fresh high-quality chicken for best texture
- Fresh baby spinach: brings color and nutrition choose tender leaves that are bright green
- Heavy cream: forms the luscious base of the Alfredo look for full-fat cream for richest results
- Parmesan cheese: adds salty nutty depth grate it fresh for the best melt
- Garlic: gives the sauce classic Italian flavor select plump cloves for more aroma
- Fettuccine or penne pasta: creates that silky Alfredo texture use bronze-cut pasta when possible
- Chicken broth: enhances richness and combines the sauce choose a quality low-sodium variety
- Olive oil: to brown the chicken for extra flavor opt for extra virgin for best taste
- Salt and black pepper: helps each element shine use flaky salt and freshly cracked pepper if you have them
- Optional pinch of nutmeg: just a hint lifts up the creaminess
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat chicken pieces dry and season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. Cut into bite-sized strips to ensure even cooking and tenderness throughout the dish.
- Sear in the Skillet:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook without stirring for about three minutes so it forms a golden crust. Flip and cook until just done and transfer to a plate to keep it juicy.
- Sauté the Garlic:
- Lower the heat to medium-low. In the same pan add minced garlic and stir constantly for one minute until just aromatic and glossy. Do not let the garlic brown or it will turn bitter.
- Deglaze and Cook Pasta:
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to capture all those brown bits. Add dry pasta and stir to coat in the liquid. Simmer uncovered stirring occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and soaks up the saucy goodness.
- Finish the Sauce and Add Spinach:
- Once pasta is nearly al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed reduce the heat. Add grated Parmesan cheese a handful at a time letting it melt smoothly between additions. Toss in fresh spinach. Stir gently until wilted and the Alfredo is creamy.
- Return Chicken and Serve:
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with any juices. Toss everything together so each noodle is coated and the chicken mingles with spinach and sauce. Adjust seasoning and serve with extra Parmesan if you like.
Save Homey but elegant enough for serving guests. My favorite part is when the first cloud of Parmesan melts into the cream and you get that incredible aroma. My little one actually learned to stir the spinach in for me and says it makes her feel like a chef.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s silkiness. Avoid freezing if possible since the cream can separate but it still tastes good reheated.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out the spinach for chopped kale or even baby arugula. If you need a dairy-free version try coconut cream and a non-dairy parmesan style cheese for surprisingly good results. For a lighter take use half and half instead of heavy cream. Gluten-free pasta works too just watch the cook time and add a bit more broth as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet Alfredo can take center stage all by itself or pair perfectly with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread. Sometimes I like to scatter sun-dried tomatoes or stir in a few green peas for color and extra flavor. Serve straight from the skillet for a cozy family-style dinner.
Save A lovingly simple skillet dinner, perfect for gathering the family in one pan. Alfredo night always brings extra smiles to our table.
Kitchen Questions
- → What type of chicken is best for skillet alfredo?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well for tenderness and quick cooking.
- → Can I substitute spinach with another green?
Yes, baby kale or arugula can replace spinach for a similar fresh flavor profile.
- → How do you keep alfredo sauce creamy?
Use heavy cream and parmesan, and avoid overheating to prevent separation of the sauce.
- → What sides pair well with skillet chicken alfredo?
Pasta, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread complement the rich and creamy main dish.
- → Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate; reheat gently to maintain sauce texture and creaminess.