Creamy Chicken and Spinach Rotini Pasta with Garlic Herb Cheese Sauce & Soft Rolls
Tender rotini pasta is tossed with juicy bites of chicken, fresh spinach, and a luxuriously creamy garlic herb cheese sauce made with a mix of cream, garlic, and soft cheese. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of parmesan and served with warm buttery soft rolls — the ultimate comfort food with a Mediterranean touch.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 tbsp olive oil
500g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
300g (about 3 cups) rotini pasta (or any short pasta like penne or fusilli)
3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Salt, for boiling water
For the Garlic Herb Cheese Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp flour
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half)
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup cream cheese or garlic herb cheese spread
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried Italian herbs
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Soft Rolls:
4 soft dinner rolls or buttery brioche rolls
1 tbsp butter, melted
½ tsp garlic powder
Pinch of parsley
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chicken, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Sauté until the chicken is golden and fully cooked (about 7–8 minutes).
Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm.
3. Make the Garlic Herb Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
Add cream cheese (or garlic herb cheese), Parmesan, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
Stir until melted and creamy. If too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
4. Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta, chicken, and spinach to the sauce.
Toss gently until the spinach wilts and everything is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning — add more salt, pepper, or cheese if desired.
5. Prepare the Soft Rolls
Brush each roll with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and parsley.
Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
6. Serve
Plate the creamy pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Serve warm rolls on the side for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Notes & Tips
You can substitute spinach with kale, arugula, or peas.
For extra richness, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
Add a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.
To make it lighter, use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
If using store-bought garlic herb cheese (like Boursin), skip extra garlic and herbs in the sauce.
Variations
Mediterranean twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
Protein boost: Mix in grilled shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Baked version: Transfer pasta to a casserole dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 190°C (375°F) for 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes — store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: You can, but creamy sauces can separate after freezing. It’s best made fresh.
Q: What’s the best cheese for the sauce?
A: Garlic herb cream cheese (like Boursin), or a mix of cream cheese and a little Parmesan for depth.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 620 kcal
Protein: 38g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g