Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 150ml of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot pan in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown or burn.

Build the Creamy Sauce: Sprinkle the plain flour over the cooked onions and garlic. Stir well for about a minute, cooking out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the warm chicken stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the double cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sauce. Add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts, which should only take a minute or two. Finally, add the drained pasta to the pan, tossing gently to ensure every strand is beautifully coated in the rich, creamy garlic sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your homemade Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe (Comfort Food Dinner)!