Spinach and Artichoke Pasta

This spinach and artichoke pasta is built for the kind of dinner that feels comforting without turning into a project. The chicken brings protein and makes the dish feel complete, while the pasta, spinach, artichokes, butter, garlic, and Pecorino Romano do the heavy lifting on flavor. The result is creamy, savory, and a little briny from the artichokes, with enough freshness from the spinach and parsley to keep it from feeling too rich.

Why the sauce works

This recipe leans on a simple pasta finish rather than a heavy cream sauce. Butter and garlic create the base, the reserved pasta water helps everything cling to the bow ties, and the Pecorino Romano adds salty depth. That combination gives you a glossy coating without weighing the pasta down. If the sauce looks tight in the pan, a splash more pasta water is the easiest fix.

Getting the chicken right

The chicken is grilled separately, then sliced and added on top, which keeps it juicy and gives the pasta a cleaner, fresher finish. The key is to let it rest before slicing so the juices stay in the meat instead of running onto the cutting board. If you want less hands-on work, you could also cook the chicken in a skillet or use leftover cooked chicken and simply warm it through before serving.

Smart ingredient swaps

• Pasta shape: Bow ties are great here because they catch bits of artichoke and cheese, but rotini, shells, or penne will also work.
• Greens: Baby spinach wilts fast and blends in easily. If you use a sturdier green, cook it a little longer so it softens before tossing.
• Cheese: Pecorino Romano brings a sharp, salty edge. Parmesan can step in if that’s what you have.
• Herbs: Parsley keeps the finished dish bright, but it is flexible if you need to skip it.

What to watch for

• Don’t overcook the pasta. It should still have enough structure to hold up once it’s tossed with the sauce.
• Save the pasta water. It helps loosen the sauce and brings everything together instead of leaving the pasta dry.
• Don’t rush the garlic. A short cook in butter is enough to make it fragrant. If it browns too much, it can turn bitter.
• Add the cheese at the end. That keeps it from clumping and helps the sauce stay smooth and glossy.

Easy ways to change it up

If you want to make this feel a little different the next time around, there are a few low-drama directions you can take it. Add red pepper flakes for a little heat, or finish with lemon zest if you want a brighter edge. A handful of cherry tomatoes would add sweetness and color. You could also skip the chicken and serve it as a meatless pasta, especially if you want a lighter weeknight dinner or need something you can pull together with pantry ingredients and frozen chicken-free staples.

What to serve with it

This pasta is filling on its own, so sides can stay simple. A green salad with a sharp vinaigrette works well because it cuts through the richness. Garlic bread is the obvious cozy choice if you want a more indulgent dinner. If you’re serving it for two, it also makes a solid main course with just one easy side and not much else to think about.

Storage and leftovers

Leftovers keep best when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta may thicken as it sits, so when you reheat it, add a small splash of water and warm it gently until it loosens up again. If possible, slice the chicken before storing so it reheats more evenly. This is one of those dishes that stays practical for lunch the next day, even if the sauce settles a little.

Final thought

BestRecipes readers who like cozy, weeknight-friendly meals will probably want to save this one. It’s familiar in the best way, but still feels a little more interesting than standard chicken pasta. If you like recipes that are simple to make and actually worth making, this is a strong one to keep in your rotation.

If you like creamy pasta dinners with minimal fuss, you might also enjoy Air Fryer TikTok® Baked Feta Pasta for another simple weeknight option.

If you want a different main dish for another night, you could also try Oven Roasted Chicken.

If you like creamy pasta dinners with a little extra kick, you might also enjoy Gochujang Cream Rigatoni with Crispy Garlic for another weeknight option.