Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach

Introduction

Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach is a rich, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a velvety asiago cheese sauce. The creamy sauce has a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sharp flavors, beautifully coating each piece of pasta. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying and easy to prepare, or for a cozy dinner that will impress your loved ones.

The first time I made this pasta, I was amazed at how effortlessly everything came together. The chicken seared to golden perfection, and as the spinach wilted into the creamy sauce, the kitchen was filled with the most mouthwatering aroma. Once it was all tossed with pasta, I couldn’t wait to dig in—it was just as delicious as it smelled.

What I love most about Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach is its versatility. Whether you serve it with fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti, the dish adapts beautifully to your preference. You can even customize it with other vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for added depth. No matter how you serve it, this pasta is guaranteed to be a comforting, flavorful favorite at your dinner table.

Perfect for:

Weeknight dinners
Family meals
Date nights
Comfort food cravings
Pasta lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach will become your favorite pasta dish:

Creamy and Rich Sauce: The asiago cheese sauce is smooth and creamy, offering a burst of flavor with every bite.
Tender Chicken: The seared chicken adds a juicy, flavorful protein component to the pasta.
Nutty Asiago Flavor: Asiago cheese adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Healthy Greens: Fresh spinach is incorporated into the dish, adding nutrients and a pop of color.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is a go-to for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 500-550 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated asiago cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Asiago Cheese: This sharp, nutty cheese is key to creating a rich, flavorful sauce that makes the dish stand out.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds a pop of color, texture, and a boost of nutrients like iron and vitamins.
Heavy Cream: Provides the base for the creamy sauce that envelops the pasta and chicken.
Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy, the chicken serves as the perfect protein to pair with the pasta.
Garlic: Adds depth and aroma to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken is slightly cooled, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

Cook the Pasta:

Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.

Prepare the Sauce:

Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Make the Cream Sauce: Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken.
Add Asiago Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated asiago cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding reserved pasta water if needed.

Combine the Dish:

Add Spinach: Stir the fresh spinach into the sauce, allowing it to wilt and cook down for 2-3 minutes.
Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked chicken slices and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
Season: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes (for a little heat) if desired.

Serve:

Garnish and Serve: Divide the pasta between plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve

Classic Platter: Serve the pasta in large bowls with a sprinkle of extra asiago cheese on top for an added touch.
With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad and a light vinaigrette for a complete meal.
With Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
For Special Occasions: Plate in individual portions for a more elegant presentation at dinner parties.
For Meal Prep: Make extra and store in the fridge for an easy-to-reheat meal later in the week.

Additional Tips

Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated asiago cheese will melt better and have more flavor than pre-grated cheese.
Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the cream and broth slightly before adding the cheese.
Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables such as mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
Customize the Heat: Add more or less red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like your dishes.
Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken. Just slice it and add it to the sauce.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach:

Mushroom Asiago Chicken Pasta: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta: Toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor.
Pesto Chicken Pasta: Stir in a tablespoon of basil pesto for a fresh, herby twist.
Lemon Chicken Pasta: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Bacon Asiago Chicken Pasta: Add crispy bacon bits to the dish for a savory, smoky element.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Use parmesan cheese instead of asiago for a different flavor.
Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta: Mix in a small can of crushed tomatoes with the cream for a creamy tomato sauce.
Cajun Chicken Pasta: Add Cajun seasoning to the chicken for a spicy kick.
Zucchini Asiago Chicken Pasta: Swap out spinach for zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
Herb Chicken Pasta: Use a mixture of fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to season the dish for an aromatic flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little added cream or broth.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Special Equipment

Non-stick Skillet: Perfect for cooking the chicken without sticking, ensuring a nice sear and easy cleanup.
Large Pot for Pasta: A wide, deep pot helps cook pasta evenly and gives enough space for stirring without spills.
Colander: Use to drain the pasta after cooking; a fine mesh colander will catch smaller pasta shapes.
Tongs: Ideal for tossing the cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Garlic Press: If you’re using fresh garlic, a garlic press will save time and release more flavor.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: A good-quality knife for slicing chicken and chopping spinach or any other vegetables.
Cutting Board: A sturdy board will keep your workspace safe and organized for chopping chicken and veggies.
Ladle or Large Spoon: Helps in serving the pasta and sauce together, ensuring each plate has a good mix of chicken, pasta, and sauce.
Whisk: Useful for making the creamy sauce if you’re mixing heavy cream, cheese, and seasonings together.
Grater: Freshly grated Asiago cheese will melt more evenly into the sauce than pre-shredded, so a fine grater comes in handy.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute asiago with parmesan, pecorino, or a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs will work well in this dish, offering a slightly juicier and more flavorful option.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pasta and sauce in advance. Store separately in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Can I make this dish without cream?
Yes, you can substitute the cream with a lighter option like half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative such as coconut milk.

Conclusion

Asiago Chicken Pasta with Spinach is a creamy, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich asiago cheese sauce. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta is both easy to make and impressive to serve. The perfect balance of flavors, from the savory chicken to the creamy, tangy cheese sauce, makes this dish a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Quick to prepare but full of indulgent flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Pair it with a light salad or a piece of garlic bread to complete the meal, and enjoy a plate of pure comfort food.

I can’t wait to see your Asiago Chicken Pasta creations! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make this dish your own. Don’t forget to share your variations and tips in the comments. Happy cooking!