1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 9-11 minutes. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. Be sure to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, as it can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce later on.

2. Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and browned on all sides. Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Next, add the spinach to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts down and reduces in size. Stir occasionally to ensure the spinach cooks evenly. If your skillet is too small, you can cook the spinach in batches. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

Once the spinach is wilted, pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and chicken broth instead of the heavy cream. For added richness, you can also stir in a tablespoon of butter at this point.

5. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb the flavor of the sauce. Next, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and more Italian seasoning as needed. If you like a bit of spice, you can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick of heat.

6. Serve the Dish

Once everything is well combined and heated through, transfer the Chicken and Spinach Pasta to serving plates or a large serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle a little more Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, creamy dish with your family and friends!