Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of garlic and parmesan mingling with tender chicken and fresh spinach as they simmer together. This Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta has become a weeknight staple in our house, offering both indulgent flavor and simple prep in one pan.

this Recipe

I first stumbled upon this recipe when I needed a quick dinner option with minimal cleanup. What started as a last-minute meal has now become a reliable favorite, perfect for busy evenings or casual get-togethers.

Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.

Why You'll Love This Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta

Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection. This Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight meal — quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.

First, the speed is unbeatable. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a hearty, satisfying dinner on the table, making it ideal for those hectic evenings when everyone’s hungry and time is short.

It’s also budget-friendly. With common pantry staples like pasta, chicken, and spinach, you won’t have to make any extra trips to the store or break the bank to enjoy a homemade meal.

Another reason to love this recipe is the one-pan simplicity. Minimal dishes mean less cleanup, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your evening after dinner.

Lastly, the versatility of this dish is a huge bonus. You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences or to use up what you already have on hand, making it a perfect go-to for busy weeks.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to the amazing flavor of this Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta lies in its simple yet well-balanced ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in building a creamy, savory dish that’s full of texture and taste.

The pasta forms the base of this meal. I like using penne or rotini because their shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute with farfalle or fusilli, but short-cut pasta works best for even cooking and sauce distribution.

For the protein, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to. They cook quickly and stay tender when seared properly. If you prefer a slightly richer taste, chicken thighs are an excellent alternative that remain juicy and flavorful.

The creamy sauce starts with heavy cream and chicken broth, which blend together to create a luscious, velvety coating for the pasta. If you’re looking to cut a few calories, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.

Fresh baby spinach adds a vibrant pop of color and a boost of nutrition. It wilts down perfectly in the hot sauce, integrating seamlessly without overpowering the other flavors.

You’ll also need Parmesan cheese, which adds a nutty, salty depth that elevates the entire dish. Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded, but either will work in a pinch.

A large skillet or sauté pan with a lid is the only special equipment you’ll need. The lid helps the pasta cook evenly while retaining moisture, ensuring perfect texture every time.

How To Make This Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta

Making this dish is as easy as it is delicious. Follow along, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time.

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces, seasoning them with a bit of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes, allowing a golden crust to develop. Stir and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté finely chopped garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine and scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Add your uncooked pasta directly into the skillet, stirring to ensure it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cooked chicken and fresh spinach. The residual heat will wilt the spinach in just a minute or two. Finally, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted completely.

In about 30 minutes total, you’ll have a rich, creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, this Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta stores beautifully for future meals. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers.

Stored in the refrigerator, the pasta will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the leftovers just as tasty the next day.

For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. The pasta will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is to different tastes and dietary needs.

If you’re looking to lighten things up, substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light cream cheese. This will still give you a creamy texture with fewer calories and added protein.

For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use mushrooms or chickpeas as your protein source. Both blend seamlessly with the creamy sauce and spinach.

You can also experiment with different greens. Kale or Swiss chard make excellent substitutes for spinach, adding their own unique flavors and textures.

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. This simple addition creates a lovely heat that balances the creaminess of the sauce.

Feel free to change up the pasta too. Whole wheat or gluten-free varieties work just as well, letting you tailor the dish to your dietary preferences.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. The basic method provides a perfect canvas for countless delicious variations!

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