Hidden Spinach Chicken Pasta
Tender chicken pieces and blended spinach in a creamy sauce, served with fun penne shapes that kids can't resist. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, cut into 1/2-inch cubes chicken breast, finely chopped spinach 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
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 6 oz, cut into 1/2-inch cubes chicken breast
- 2 cups, finely chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 8 oz penne pasta, and cook for 10 minutes until tender; drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 6 oz chicken cubes, and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until wilted, then stir in 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper; cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring until cheese is melted and sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hidden Spinach Chicken Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Hidden Spinach Chicken Pasta?
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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Spinach Chicken Pasta?
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 Hidden Spinach Chicken Pasta 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 Hidden Spinach Chicken Pasta?
American 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
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
