Chicken Spinach Alfredo Rotini Pasta is a rich and creamy dish that combines tender rotini pasta with juicy chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious Alfredo sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dinner that the whole family will love. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and comes together in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheeseand Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked rotini, chicken, and spinach back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Parmesan if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Cooking Notes
- Pasta Options: While rotini is a great choice because it holds the sauce well, you can substitute it with penne, fettuccine, or any other pasta shape you prefer.
- Chicken: For a shortcut, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Simply shred or chop it and add it to the dish at the end.
- Spinach: You can use frozen spinach in place of fresh, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.
Variations
1. Bacon Chicken Spinach Alfredo
Add crumbled bacon to the dish for a smoky flavor. Cook the bacon first and use the rendered fat to sauté the garlic and spinach.
2. Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli
Swap out the spinach for broccoli florets or use a combination of both. Steam or sauté the broccoli before adding it to the pasta.
3. Cajun Chicken Spinach Alfredo
Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist. You can also add andouille sausage for extra flavor.
4. Gluten-Free Chicken Spinach Alfredo
Use a gluten-free pasta like brown rice or chickpea pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients, like Parmesan cheese, are gluten-free as well.
Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments
For a keto-friendly version of this dish, replace the rotini pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Make sure to use heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, as they are low in carbs. You can also add more spinach or other low-carb vegetables to make the dish even more filling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use a good-quality store-bought Alfredo sauce. Just heat it in the skillet and follow the same instructions for combining the pasta, chicken, and spinach.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Spinach Alfredo?
You can freeze the Alfredo sauce and chicken separately for up to 3 months. However, freezing the pasta can change its texture. Thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before combining with fresh pasta.
Q: What can I serve with Chicken Spinach Alfredo Rotini?
This dish pairs well with a light green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
This Chicken Spinach Alfredo Rotini Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special dinner. With tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich Alfredo sauce, this pasta dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of comforting deliciousness!