Is spinach pasta healthier than regular pasta?

Yes, spinach pasta is generally considered a bit healthier than traditional white pasta, but the difference depends on how it’s made. Store-bought spinach pasta often includes spinach powder or puree, which adds extra nutrients like iron, fiber, and vitamins A and C. However, the base is usually still refined flour. For a true nutritional upgrade: Choose whole wheat or legume-based spinach pasta. Add fresh spinach into your sauce (like in Lisa’s version of Chicken Spinach Pasta) for a double dose of green goodness.

Can you eat chicken and spinach together?

Absolutely. Chicken and spinach are a classic, nutrient-rich pairing. Chicken provides lean protein, while spinach delivers antioxidants and essential vitamins. Together, they offer a well-rounded base for a satisfying and balanced meal. Chef Lisa uses this combination frequently in her cooking—not just for flavor, but for the balance it brings to family meals.

Does adding spinach to pasta make it healthier?

Yes, adding spinach to your pasta—especially fresh spinach—improves both the nutritional value and the color/texture of the dish. It boosts your intake of: Fiber Iron Vitamin K Folate and antioxidants It’s also a great way to sneak in more greens, especially for picky eaters or kids. Lisa recommends folding in baby spinach at the end of cooking so it stays bright and slightly crisp.

Can we eat pasta and chicken together?

Definitely! The combination of pasta and chicken is not only common, it’s delicious and filling. Pasta offers carbohydrates for energy, while chicken provides protein to keep you full longer. When paired with a flavorful sauce and leafy greens like spinach, it becomes a complete and satisfying meal. Chef Lisa’s Chicken Spinach Pasta is one of the most loved recipes on Cook Today Lisa for this very reason—it hits all the right notes of comfort, nutrition, and taste.

Chicken Spinach Pasta: The Best Comfort Food Combo That’s Quick and Healthy

Name: Chicken Spinach Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin); Salt and pepper to taste; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups baby spinach (fresh); 8 oz penne or your favorite pasta; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ½ cup reserved pasta water

Description

This creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s rich, comforting, and packed with lean protein and fresh greens. Made with seared chicken, baby spinach, garlic, Parmesan, and your choice of cream or olive oil, it’s a flavorful one-pot meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin)
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups baby spinach (fresh)
8 oz penne or your favorite pasta
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice

½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and stir, bringing to a light simmer.
Stir in Parmesan, pasta water, and red pepper flakes. Add cooked pasta and toss until well coated.
Add spinach and cooked chicken. Stir until spinach wilts and everything is heated through.

Finish with lemon juice. Serve hot with extra Parmesan.

Notes

For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with chicken broth and olive oil.
Frozen spinach can be used if well-drained.
Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.

Gluten-free pasta works well as a substitute.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner, Pasta
Method: One-pot / Skillet
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1¼ cups)
Calories: 490
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Chicken Spinach Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, chicken and spinach dinner, healthy chicken pasta, quick chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, garlic spinach chicken pasta