Creamy Garlic Chicken Thigh Pasta with Spinach – Easy One-Pan Italian-Inspired Dinner

When life felt rushed, I learned that a simple dinner could do more than just fill our stomachs—it could gently reset our day. That’s how my creamy garlic chicken thigh pasta became more than a meal. I remember coming home on a busy evening, my mind racing, and being soothed by the gentle sizzle of garlic in olive oil, the warmth of cream swirling in the pan, and the bright pop of spinach. It became my quiet ritual—a moment to pause. Over time, cooking this dish began to feel like an embrace; the chicken thighs remained tender, the sauce rich but balanced, and the pasta held every comforting note. When I serve it to my family now, I see them slow down too—those first bites invariably bring soft smiles and long table conversations. It’s simple, satisfying, and deeply rooted in the joy of serving love on a plate.

This recipe is part of the 5-Day Meal Plan. See the full plan here.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Thigh Pasta with Spinach – Easy One-Pan Italian-Inspired Dinner

This quick, one-pan creamy garlic chicken thigh pasta blends tender chicken, fresh spinach, and garlic-infused cream into perfectly cooked pasta. Designed for busy evenings, it delivers comforting Italian-inspired flavors with minimal cleanup. Warm, satisfying, and easy to love, it’s the perfect dish to bring the family together any night.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken thighs cut into strips
  • 12 oz pasta penne or fettuccine
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 pot
  • 1 knife

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Sauté chicken in olive oil. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
  3. Add cream and simmer until slightly thickened.
  4. Stir in spinach and pasta. Add parmesan and reserved water if needed.
  5. Serve hot with extra parmesan.
  6. Calories per Serving: ~540 kcal

Notes

  • Sub coconut cream for dairy-free
  • Add red pepper flakes for spice

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