Rating: 3.57
(80)

Chicken & Spinach Protein Pasta

December 5, 2024

Chicken and spinach protein pasta is the perfect meal when you’re craving something hearty yet healthy. Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and satisfying pasta, this dish strikes the right balance between delicious and nutritious. It’s a quick, wholesome option for busy weeknights, meal prep, or post-workout dinners.

The base of this recipe is protein pasta made from ingredients like chickpeas, lentils, or pea protein, offering more fiber and protein than traditional pasta. Tossed with juicy, sautéed chicken breast and wilted spinach, it creates a well-rounded dish that’s both filling and flavorful.

Garlic and olive oil add depth to the sauce, while a splash of lemon juice brightens everything up. Some versions include a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a spoonful of ricotta for creaminess without weighing it down. You can even toss in sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor and texture.

What makes chicken and spinach protein pasta so appealing is its versatility. You can keep it light with just olive oil and herbs or make it heartier with a creamy or tomato-based sauce. Either way, it delivers on both taste and nutrition, providing the energy you need to power through your day.

This pasta pairs beautifully with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or a chilled herbal iced tea complements the fresh, savory flavors perfectly.

Whether you’re fueling up after a workout or just looking for a delicious dinner that won’t leave you feeling sluggish, chicken and spinach protein pasta is always a winning choice. It’s easy to make, loaded with nutrients, and guaranteed to satisfy.

Chicken & Spinach Protein Pasta
Chicken & Spinach Protein Pasta
3.57 from 80 votes
A delicious and nutritious Chicken & Spinach Protein Pasta dish packed with protein and flavor, perfect for a healthy meal.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 grams chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 150 grams protein pasta or any pasta of choice
  • 100 grams fresh spinach washed and dried
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook the protein pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the fresh spinach and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the spinach is wilted.
  • Top with grated parmesan cheese before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 32gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2400IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 3mg
Calories: 450kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: healthy eating, pasta recipes, Protein
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar donn.turner2006 says:

    2 stars
    Did anyone else think it was too oily? I felt like I was swimming in olive oil.

  2. User avatar dolores.thompson says:

    3 stars
    Just okay. I prefer a creamier sauce with my pasta. Maybe mix some cream in next time?

  3. User avatar dario.smith says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! I made it for dinner last night, and my family loved it! So flavorful!

    1. 3 stars
      Really? I found it a bit bland. Maybe I did something wrong?

    2. User avatar harris.orn says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad to hear you loved it! This recipe is definitely a keeper.

  4. User avatar antoine.braun33 says:

    4 stars
    Chicken and spinach? Who woulda thought! This is my new go-to for dinner. Yum!

  5. 3 stars
    This was alright, but I think it needed more seasoning. Just didn’t pop ya know?

  6. User avatar lahoma.stroman says:

    5 stars
    I’ve made it two times this week already! Chicken was juicy, and the cherry tomatoes added a nice pop.

    1. User avatar edgar.lemke says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! I love how quick and easy it is. The cherry tomatoes really do bring great flavor!

  7. 1 star
    Too healthy for me! I prefer my pasta with cream sauce. But good for you, I guess.

    1. User avatar orlando.klein1961 says:

      2 stars
      Ugh, who needs spinach anyway? Real pasta is creamy and comforting! This won’t fill me up.

    2. User avatar jamey.schuppe57 says:

      4 stars
      I get what you mean! Cream sauce is life! But hey, healthy stuff has its moments.

  8. 3 stars
    I tried this but the chicken was kinda dry. Maybe I cooked it too long? Not sure.

  9. User avatar maybell.ortiz40 says:

    3 stars
    I really wanted to like this, but my pasta got mushy. Maybe I cooked it too long? 🤔

  10. User avatar Mr. Prosser says:

    5 stars
    This recipe was easy to follow! I loved the flavor of the garlic with the chicken. Will make again for sure!

  11. User avatar judson.schuster74 says:

    4 stars
    Took me longer than I thought. I’m no chef! But the taste was worth it.

  12. 4 stars
    Super delish! My whole family liked it, even the kids! 🤗

    1. User avatar lupita.wolf2000 says:

      3 stars
      Really? I tried it and it was kinda bland. Maybe I missed something? 🤔

    2. User avatar weldon.sporer says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! I’m glad your kids loved it. 🙌 This pasta dish is a hit in our house too!

  13. 5 stars
    Perfect for a healthy dinner! I loved the protein pasta – never thought it would taste so good! Adding this to my weekly rotation!

  14. User avatar joleen.zieme34 says:

    5 stars
    This is my new favorite dinner! So easy and delicious!

  15. 4 stars
    Easiest recipe ever! Followed it to the T and it was delish. 🥗

  16. User avatar Paula Nancy Millstone Jennings says:

    5 stars
    Chicken and spinach pasta yum! Would try with whole wheat pasta next time.

  17. User avatar bethany.auer97 says:

    2 stars
    How can you call this protein pasta? It just looks like normal?!

  18. User avatar Shadowfax says:

    2 stars
    Wow, what’s with the spinach? Can’t believe people eat grass. My kid wouldn’t touch it. 🤢

  19. 3 stars
    Chickens are not supposed to be cut, right? Can’t believe people do that. But it was okay! Could be better.

  20. User avatar Yooden Vranx says:

    2 stars
    I dunno, it tasted kinda bland to me. More spices needed!

    1. User avatar kieth.ritchie47 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! A pinch of cayenne or some Italian herbs would make it pop! 👍

    2. User avatar maura.lockman65 says:

      3 stars
      Bland is a bit harsh, I liked it! Maybe you just need to try adding more salt next time.

  21. User avatar santina.schinner54 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t eat chicken. Can I use tofu instead? Will it taste just as good?

    1. User avatar Gandalf the Grey says:

      2 stars
      IDK if tofu is the same as chicken. Maybe it won’t taste right? But you can try, I guess.

    2. User avatar elton.oconner says:

      4 stars
      Tofu would be a great substitute! Just make sure to press it to get the water out, and it should taste good with the other ingredients. I’m all for plant-based meals!

  22. User avatar Jenette Ebert says:

    3 stars
    I tried it and the chicken was too dry for my taste. Maybe I should’ve added more oil? 🤔

  23. User avatar sheron.hauck24 says:

    5 stars
    5 stars! super easy to make and it’s healthy. My kids loved it too!

  24. User avatar Freddy Hoeger says:

    1 star
    Not a fan. The spinach didn’t do it for me. I’d rather have broccoli with it!

  25. User avatar samuel.hermann89 says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have parmesan, so I used cheddar. It was still good! Just a bit diff.

    1. User avatar kirk.beier says:

      5 stars
      Using cheddar sounds like a creative twist! Glad it still turned out well for you. 😊

  26. User avatar Majikthise says:

    4 stars
    So easy and quick! Perfect for weekdays. I added some chili flakes for a kick, yum!

  27. User avatar shani.will2005 says:

    5 stars
    Chicken & spinach are my favs! This is a winner!

  28. User avatar cristobal.boehm81 says:

    1 star
    Why do you need spinach? Makes it all green and weird tasting. Anyone else feel this?

    1. User avatar jazmin.fisher says:

      5 stars
      I love spinach in this recipe! It doesn’t taste weird to me at all. It’s like the best part! You should give it another chance!

    2. 4 stars
      I totally get where you’re coming from! Spinach can be kinda weird. But it really does add some nice nutrients! Maybe try it without next time? 🤷‍♀️

  29. User avatar jolie.streich17 says:

    4 stars
    I’m not a cook, but this was pretty simple to make. I just forgot the cheese, oops! 😅

  30. User avatar Mrs. Lina Wolff says:

    2 stars
    Disappointed. It lacked flavor. I think it need more garlic or something.

  31. User avatar brice.ratke12 says:

    4 stars
    Nice, but needs more cheese! Like seriously! 🙂

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! More cheese would make it heavenly! 🧀

  32. User avatar carmen.west says:

    3 stars
    I tried it with normal pasta instead of protein pasta. Tasted fine but maybe not as healthy? Not sure.

  33. User avatar jae.durgan says:

    5 stars
    wow!!! yummy!!! I’m making this every week! <3

  34. 5 stars
    This was delish! My kids loved it too. Easy to make!

    1. 5 stars
      So glad to hear you and the kids enjoyed it! It’s super easy, right? I love how quick it comes together.

  35. 1 star
    This is not chicken alfredo, it’s just chicken with pasta!

  36. User avatar latia.cummerata says:

    5 stars
    This is the best pasta dish I’ve ever made! The chicken was tender and the spinach added such a fresh flavor. Definitely a 5-star meal!

  37. User avatar garrett.parker82 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! I added some red pepper flakes and it was spicy but good 😍.

  38. User avatar maxima.schroeder95 says:

    3 stars
    Um, I thought the spinach would be cooked more… it’s kinda raw.

  39. User avatar charissa.bednar12 says:

    5 stars
    This was a total game changer! So easy and healthy. The spinach adds a nice touch. 5 stars!

    1. User avatar miranda.heller says:

      5 stars
      Whoa, sounds delicious! Gonna try it this weekend. Thanks for sharing!

  40. User avatar jayna.king84 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t think pasta and chicken go together. Seems weird to me. Maybe if u added some cream?

  41. 4 stars
    Easy recipe, but I accidentally used too much cheese! Still yummy tho!

    1. User avatar perry.reinger25 says:

      5 stars
      Too much cheese sounds like a win to me! Cheese makes everything better! 🧀👍

  42. 3 stars
    Not a fan of spinach, but I chucked in some broccoli instead. It was alright but didn’t feel quite right. Just saying.

    1. 4 stars
      I think broccoli could be a good swap! Just gotta be careful with the cook time. Spinach gives a different vibe though. Maybe try it next time! 😊

    2. User avatar antony.von1984 says:

      2 stars
      Broccoli? Really? I mean, whatever works for you but spinach is part of the whole deal! That’s like putting ketchup on pasta! Not the same, dude.

  43. 2 stars
    I tried this recipe but used beef instead of chicken. Didn’t really work out well. Not sure if I did something wrong but it was tough. Next time I’ll stick to chicken.

  44. User avatar mauricio.simonis43 says:

    5 stars
    This was so good! My whole family loved it! 🤩

  45. User avatar january.kris1958 says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but I think it could use more seasoning. A bit bland for my taste.

  46. User avatar kelly.ratke64 says:

    4 stars
    How long does it take to make? I need quick meals! 😂

  47. User avatar geoWizard says:

    4 stars
    Really good! I added some red pepper flakes for extra kick. Yum!

    1. 3 stars
      Red pepper flakes? Really? I thought the chicken would be spicy enough! 🤔

    2. User avatar gino.bode33 says:

      5 stars
      I bet that made it super spicy! I’ll have to try that next time. 😋

  48. User avatar Lumberjack says:

    4 stars
    Yummy dish! 🥳 So quick to prepare, my kids loved it! Will make again for sure!

  49. User avatar steve_maga says:

    2 stars
    Where’s the flavor? Needs more garlic and salt. Ended up adding a jar of store-bought sauce to spice it up. Thx.

  50. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    3 stars
    I don’t eat chicken, can I use beef instead? Also what’s protein pasta?

  51. User avatar Tory Ondricka says:

    1 star
    Too much work for just pasta and chicken if ya ask me.

  52. 4 stars
    I used regular pasta, but it still turned out good. I think protein pasta is a gimmick anyway.

    1. 5 stars
      I agree! Protein pasta just sounds like a scam to me. Regular pasta tastes way better!

  53. User avatar herma.graham32 says:

    2 stars
    where’s the flavor? i mean it just didn’t fill me up or taste like anything really.

  54. User avatar erin.mckenzie says:

    3 stars
    Very easy to make, but I found it a bit bland. Maybe some spices or herbs would help? I added a pinch of chili flakes, and it tasted better!

  55. 1 star
    Disapointing! I thought it would be better. The spinach was sad 😢.

    1. User avatar nelda.carter says:

      3 stars
      Sad spinach? 🤷‍♂️ Just use more and cook it less! 😄

    2. User avatar Frodo Baggins says:

      4 stars
      I’m sorry it didn’t turn out well for you! Maybe the spinach was overcooked? It’s supposed to be bright and fresh!

3.57 from 80 votes
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