Herb-Roasted Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Garlic Butter
A vibrant dish combining tender herb-roasted chicken, sautéed spinach, and a rich garlic butter sauce tossed with al dente pasta. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breast, (washed and dried) fresh spinach, (minced) garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each) chicken breast
- 10 oz (washed and dried) fresh spinach
- 4 cloves (minced) garlic
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (grated) Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz spaghetti
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, basil, and oregano. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and roast for 20-22 minutes until golden and juices run clear.
- Step 2: While chicken roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach and cook 3-4 minutes until wilted. Stir in heavy cream, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper. Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Toss pasta in skillet with spinach mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce. Stir in Parmesan. Slice roasted chicken into 1/2-inch pieces and add to pan. Cook 2 minutes until heated through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Roasted Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Garlic Butter take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Herb-Roasted Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Garlic Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Roasted Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Garlic Butter?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Herb-Roasted Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Garlic Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Herb-Roasted Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Garlic Butter?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
