Chicken and spinach are a match made in culinary heaven These versatile ingredients can be transformed into a myriad of mouthwatering dishes perfect for any occasion. From quick weeknight dinners to impressive dinner party fare, read on for 29 delicious recipe ideas to make with chicken and spinach.
Why Chicken and Spinach Make Such a Great Pairing
There are several reasons why chicken and spinach complement each other so well
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Flavor – The mild flavor of chicken pairs perfectly with the earthy, subtly sweet flavor of spinach. Neither ingredient overpowers the other.
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Texture – The tender and juicy chicken provides a nice contrast to the soft velvety spinach.
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Nutrition – Chicken provides lean protein while spinach offers vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and calcium. Together they make a nutritious duo.
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Convenience – Both chicken and spinach are versatile, widely available and quick cooking. Perfect for easy weeknight meals.
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Variety – Chicken and spinach can be used in so many dishes from pastas to casseroles, curries to quesadillas. The possibilities are endless!
Now let’s look at 29 amazing recipes that showcase the winning combination of chicken and spinach.
Weeknight Friendly Chicken and Spinach Dinners
When time is short, whip up one of these quick and easy chicken and spinach meals. They come together in under an hour with minimal fuss.
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken – Chicken breasts cooked in a rich and creamy garlic parmesan sauce with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
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Chicken Florentine Casserole – A baked casserole of chicken, spinach, cheese and eggs flavored with garlic and herbs. Delicious comfort food.
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Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas – Easy cheesy quesadillas filled with shredded chicken, spinach and tomatoes.
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Chicken Saag – An Indian curry dish made with chicken, spinach and aromatic spices like ginger and garlic.
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Chicken Spinach Meatballs – Flavorful chicken and spinach meatballs baked to perfection. Kid friendly too!
Elegant Chicken and Spinach Dinners to Impress
When you want to serve something more refined, try one of these elegant chicken and spinach dishes. Perfect for date nights or dinner parties!
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Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Spinach and Ricotta – Chicken breasts stuffed with a ricotta, parmesan and spinach filling then wrapped in bacon.
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Chicken Florentine Pasta – Fettuccine tossed with creamy spinach sauce and sautéed chicken. Topped with Parmesan cheese.
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Spinach Pesto Chicken – Chicken smothered in a vibrant spinach and basil pesto then baked until bubbling.
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Chicken and Spinach Lasagna – Layers of pasta, chicken and spinach baked with a creamy Bechamel sauce. Delicious!
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Chicken Roulade Stuffed with Spinach – Chicken breasts pounded thin, stuffed with a spinach filling then rolled and baked. Elegant presentation.
Global Inspired Chicken and Spinach Recipes
Take your tastebuds on a trip around the world with these internationally inspired chicken and spinach dishes.
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Mediterranean Baked Chicken – Chicken baked with spinach, tomatoes and feta cheese. Fresh and vibrant Greek flavors.
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Chicken Spinach Curry – A fragrant Indian curry made with chicken, spinach and warming spices like cumin and coriander.
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Thai Chicken and Spinach Stir Fry – Quick stir fry with chicken, spinach and authentic Thai ingredients like fish sauce, basil and red curry paste.
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Chicken Spinach Empanadas – Flaky empanada pastries stuffed with chicken, spinach, raisins and olives. Latin American flavors.
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Middle Eastern Chicken and Spinach Stew – A hearty stew inspired by Lebanese flavors – chicken, spinach, chickpeas, lemon and garlic.
Chicken and Spinach Casseroles
For comfort food at its finest, you can’t go past a bubbly, cheesy chicken and spinach casserole. Here are some top-rated favorites:
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Chicken Florentine Casserole – Chicken, spinach and cheese sauce topped with Parmesan and baked. So simple but so good!
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Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas – Tortillas stuffed with chicken, spinach, beans and cheese then smothered in enchilada sauce.
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Chicken and Spinach Strata – A breakfast casserole with layers of bread, spinach, chicken sausage and cheese. Perfect brunch dish.
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Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Baked Ziti – Ooey gooey layers of pasta, spinach and chicken baked in a creamy three cheese sauce.
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Chicken, Mushroom and Spinach Casserole – Comfort food trifecta of chicken, mushrooms and spinach baked in a light cream sauce.
Fresh Chicken and Spinach Salads
Chicken and spinach also pair wonderfully in fresh, nutritious main dish salads.
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Chicken Caesar Salad with Spinach – Romaine and spinach topped with chicken, crunchy croutons and Parmesan. Tossed in a lemon garlic dressing.
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Warm Chicken and Spinach Salad – Sautéed chicken served over baby spinach and arugula with avocado, tomatoes and bacon.
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Thai Chicken Spinach Salad – Thai-inspired salad with chicken, spinach, rice noodles, carrots, peanuts and ginger lime dressing.
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Mediterranean Chicken and Spinach Salad – Grilled chicken, spinach, feta, tomatoes, olives, cucumber and fresh herbs. Tossed in a red wine vinaigrette.
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Chicken and Spinach Cobb Salad – A nutrition-packed salad with grilled chicken, boiled egg, avocado, tomatoes and bacon over spinach.
Bonus: Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Dishes
Lastly, here are 5 irresistible creamy chicken and spinach pasta dishes. The spinach infuses the sauce with color and fresh flavor.
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Chicken and Spinach Alfredo – Fettuccine tossed with chicken and spinach in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce. Simple but luxurious.
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Chicken Spinach Artichoke Pasta – Penne pasta in a creamy sauce with chicken, spinach and artichoke hearts.
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Spinach and Chicken Stuffed Shells – Jumbo pasta shells filled with a chicken, spinach and ricotta mix. Baked with marinara sauce and mozzarella.
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Creamy Chicken and Spinach Orzo – Chicken and orzo simmered in a creamy spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce.
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Chicken, Spinach and Parmesan Risotto – Carnaroli rice cooked with chicken and spinach in broth and white wine to create a creamy risotto.
So there you have it – 29 amazing recipes to make with the power pairing of chicken and spinach! From fast weeknight dinners to dinner party dishes, globally inspired to classic comfort foods, there are so many possibilities. Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy cooking up delicious chicken and spinach meals for family and friends.
Chicken Spinach Pasta Variations
- Pack in extra veggies: With a creamy, cheesy homemade pasta sauce, you’ve got the perfect opportunity to sneak in an extra serving (or two) of vegetables. Chopped mushrooms, diced tomatoes, red bell pepper, and sun-dried tomatoes are a few tasty options to consider. You could also swap the spinach for a different green of your choice, maybe kale or Swiss chard.
- Add fresh flavor with herbs: Fresh or dried herbs are always a great way to boost flavor in any recipe. A bit of basil, oregano, parsley or thyme would all be great additions to this 30-minute pasta recipe.
- Use alternative proteins: White meat chicken is a crowd-pleasing go-to, but you could swap out the chicken breast for chicken thighs, Italian sausage or shrimp.
- Brighten with lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (or a fresh grating of zest) is a great way to balance and brighten the flavors.
- Try a different noodle: You can choose any pasta shape your family enjoys. Short pasta shapes such as rigatoni, cavatappi and rotini would be great choices. You could also opt for long tendrils of spaghetti, fettuccine or bucatini if you prefer.
How to Store Chicken Spinach Pasta
Leftover pasta can be refrigerated in an airtight food storage container for up to four days. To reheat the pasta, warm gently in the microwave or stovetop until heated through. You can add a splash of milk or broth, if necessary, to rehydrate the pasta.
Chicken Florentine | Garlic Spinach Chicken | Food Wishes
FAQ
What to have with chicken and spinach?
Creamy spinach chicken can be eaten on its own, but because it has a delicious garlicky cream sauce, it’s even better when served over rice or noodles. A bright and simple green salad on the side would be also be great.
Is it good to eat spinach and chicken together?
Overall, a chicken and spinach diet can be part of a healthy eating plan, especially when combined with other nutrient-dense foods. For optimal health, aim for a varied diet that includes different protein sources, vegetables, and whole grains.
How healthy are chicken and spinach?
Rich in protein, chicken aids muscle growth, while spinach is loaded with antioxidants, iron, and fiber, promoting overall health. With its low-calorie count and high-quality ingredients, Chicken Spinach is a perfect option for anyone seeking a wholesome, satisfying meal.
What to serve with chicken florentine and spinach?
With tender chicken cutlets nestled into a creamy spinach sauce, this recipe uses just one pan and is practically a complete meal all on its own. Serve with hot pasta, rice, or crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.