Creamy Chicken & Leek Pasta with Spinach

Alissa Marie Wellness

Creamy Chicken & Leek Pasta with Spinach

Comforting, gut-friendly, and packed with anti-inflammatory goodness 💚

This pasta gets its creamy texture from Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, keeping it lighter while still indulgent. Caramelized leeks bring natural sweetness, turmeric adds an anti-inflammatory boost, and fresh spinach packs in fiber and micronutrients. Protein-rich chicken rounds out a gut-loving, nutrient-dense weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 3

Course: Main Course

Calories: 540

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 chicken breasts sliced
• 8 oz chickpea pasta or whole grain
• 2 leeks white parts only, thinly sliced
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil for cooking
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to thin

Method

 

Cook pasta:

1. Prepare according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.

Cook chicken:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken slices for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Caramelize leeks:

1. In the same skillet, add another 1 tbsp oil if needed. Cook leeks over medium heat 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden.
2. Add garlic & turmeric: Stir in minced garlic and turmeric; cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Combine chicken & pasta: Return chicken to the pan and toss with cooked pasta. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
4. Finish with yogurt & cheese: Remove from heat and gently stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan. Mix until creamy. Do not boil after adding yogurt to prevent curdling.
5. Add spinach: Fold in fresh spinach until just wilted.

Serve: Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy warm.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

• Don’t boil after adding Greek yogurt; heat gently to keep creamy.
• Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without adding extra fat.
• Caramelize leeks slowly to bring out their natural sweetness.
• Optional: Swap whole grain pasta for gluten-free or legume-based pasta for extra fiber and protein.

Macro esimares depending on the exact products you use

per serving (for 3 servings):

• • Calories: 540 kcal
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Carbs: 53 g
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Fiber: 10 g

Gut & Health Benefits

• Chickpea pasta: High in fiber and protein, helps feed beneficial gut bacteria and stabilizes blood sugar.
• Leeks: Prebiotic-rich, supports gut microbiome and digestion.
• Spinach: Anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense, supports skin and hormone health.
• Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess with protein and probiotics without heavy fat.
• Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory, supports overall gut and joint health.