Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Rotini Pasta with Spinach & Rolls

This creamy Mediterranean-style chicken rotini pasta is one of those comforting dishes that feels special but comes together quickly. Tender chicken, a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, bright spinach, and sweet red bell pepper come together in a rich, cozy bowl of pasta. The Mediterranean touches keep it fresh rather than heavy, and the rolls on the side turn it into a complete, satisfying dinner. It’s great for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.

Total Time: 40 minutes
Active Prep: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the Pasta

2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes

1 tsp salt

½ tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp Italian herb mix

2 tbsp olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

½ cup grated Parmesan

1 tbsp cream cheese

1 cup heavy cream

300g rotini pasta (about 10 oz)

1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

4 dinner rolls (store-bought or fresh)

Instructions

Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Season the chicken
Combine the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Toss to coat evenly.

Sear the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook until golden on all sides and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Sauté aromatics and veggies
In the same pan, add the garlic and red bell pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the pepper softens.

Build the creamy sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Stir gently until smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of pasta water.

Add the spinach
Fold in the chopped spinach. It will wilt within a minute.

Combine everything
Add the cooked chicken and drained rotini to the sauce. Toss gently to coat well.

Finish and garnish
Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with parsley.

Serve
Warm the dinner rolls and serve on the side.

Tips

Cut the chicken pieces evenly so they cook at the same pace.

Sear the chicken without moving it too much for better browning.

If your Parmesan is freshly grated, it melts more smoothly into the sauce.

Don’t boil the sauce once the cream is added. Gentle heat keeps it silky.

Keep pasta water handy. A splash helps loosen thick sauce without diluting flavor.

Add spinach at the end so it stays vibrant.

If using prewashed spinach, squeeze out extra moisture to keep the sauce rich.

To avoid clumping, add Parmesan gradually.

Rotini holds sauce well, but penne or fusilli work too.

Warm the rolls in the oven for a few minutes so they’re soft inside and crisp outside.

Variations

Swap chicken for shrimp and cook them just until pink.

Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flavor.

Use half heavy cream and half milk for a lighter sauce.

Stir in mushrooms with the bell pepper for heartiness.

Replace spinach with arugula for a peppery twist.

Add chili flakes for gentle heat.

Use whole-wheat pasta for more fiber.

Stir lemon zest into the sauce for a bright lift.

Add olives or roasted red peppers for more Mediterranean notes.

Top with crumbled feta for extra creaminess and tang.

Q&A

Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Store the pasta and sauce together in the fridge for up to two days.

Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
It will. Add a splash of milk or water when reheating.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw it and squeeze out moisture first.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Mascarpone or a bit more Parmesan works.

Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. They stay tender and juicy.

Can I add vegetables?
Zucchini or cherry tomatoes work well.

What if I don’t have Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano is a good substitute.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free rotini and ensure your rolls are gluten-free.

Can I bake the whole mixture?
Yes. Transfer to a dish, top with cheese, and bake until golden.

Are the rolls necessary?
They’re optional, but they make the meal feel complete.

Nutrition

(Approx. per serving, including rolls)

• Calories: ~680
• Protein: ~36g
• Carbs: ~58g
• Fat: ~34g
• Fiber: ~4g

(Values vary depending on brands and roll size.)

Conclusion

This creamy Mediterranean chicken rotini makes a satisfying meal that blends comfort and freshness. The sauce is rich without feeling too heavy, the vegetables add color and balance, and the rolls bring everything together. It’s easy enough for busy nights but still feels special at the table. Enjoy it warm, and feel free to use the variations to make it your own.