Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta Recipe

There's something incredibly comforting about a one-pan pasta dish bubbling away on the stove, filling your kitchen with savory aromas. This Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta is creamy, hearty, and full of wholesome ingredients that make dinner both easy and satisfying.

this Recipe

I discovered this recipe during a busy week when the fridge was nearly bare and I needed a miracle meal. With a few pantry staples, some leftover chicken, and a bag of spinach, this dish came together like magic. It's now a weeknight staple, thanks to how fast and family-friendly it is.

The best part? Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner. Let’s dive into why this pasta needs to be your next go-to meal.

Why You'll Love This Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta

This dish brings together all the elements of a comforting meal: tender chicken, al dente pasta, creamy sauce, and vibrant spinach. But there’s more to love than just the taste.

First off, it’s ridiculously easy to make. With just one skillet and about 30 minutes, you’ll have a complete meal ready to serve. It’s the kind of recipe that fits seamlessly into your weeknight routine.

It’s also budget-friendly. Most of the ingredients—like pasta, chicken broth, and garlic—are pantry staples. Add in a protein and a green veggie, and you’re set.

Health-conscious eaters will appreciate the balance of protein, carbs, and greens. It’s a well-rounded meal that doesn’t feel heavy, thanks to the fresh spinach folded in at the end.

And let’s not forget how adaptable it is. You can easily swap in different pastas, proteins, or greens based on what you have on hand. This makes it ideal for busy families or anyone trying to clean out their fridge.

So whether you're cooking for one or feeding a hungry crew, this skillet pasta delivers every time.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta lies in its straightforward ingredients. They’re humble on their own, but together they create something truly satisfying.

Pasta is the backbone of this dish. I like using short shapes like penne or rotini, which hold up well to the creamy sauce and cling to bits of chicken and spinach. Cook it just shy of al dente before combining it with the rest of the ingredients to avoid mushiness.

Chicken provides hearty flavor and satisfying protein. I usually go with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. Thighs are a great alternative if you prefer a richer flavor.

Spinach adds a burst of color and freshness. I recommend using fresh baby spinach, which wilts down beautifully without getting too soggy. If frozen is all you have, just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the pan.

Garlic and onions are the aromatic base. They infuse the entire skillet with a rich, savory foundation that builds flavor from the first step.

You’ll also need a bit of cream or half-and-half to create that luscious sauce, along with chicken broth to help everything come together in the skillet. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end ties it all together with a salty, nutty kick.

No special equipment is required—just a large, deep skillet with a lid and a wooden spoon. Simple tools, simple process, big results.

How To Make This Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta

Creating this dish is as easy as it is satisfying. Each step is designed to build flavor while keeping everything streamlined.

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to get a nice sear, then stir and continue cooking until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, and toss in your chopped onions. Sauté until they’re soft and translucent, then add minced garlic. The aroma at this stage is irresistible and sets the tone for the rest of the dish.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Stir in your uncooked pasta and reduce the heat slightly. Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Once the pasta is just about done, pour in your cream or half-and-half and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is well coated.

Finally, add your fresh spinach and fold it in gently. It will wilt quickly from the residual heat. Finish with a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

From start to finish, this dish takes about 30 minutes. It’s a full meal in one pan, and it tastes like you spent much longer on it.

Storage Options

One of the best things about this skillet pasta is how well it stores. If you have leftovers, they make for a delicious lunch the next day.

Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly in the fridge, but a splash of water or broth while reheating brings it back to life.

You can also freeze this dish, though the texture of the pasta may soften a bit upon thawing. For best results, freeze in a tightly sealed container and use within a month.

To reheat, microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. Or reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding liquid as needed.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this recipe means you can tweak it to suit your tastes or whatever you have in your fridge or pantry.

Swap the chicken for leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even shrimp for a seafood twist. If you’re vegetarian, you can use chickpeas or mushrooms as a hearty alternative.

Use whole wheat pasta or even gluten-free noodles if you have dietary restrictions. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they can vary by brand and type.

For the greens, kale or arugula make great substitutes if you’re out of spinach. Just remember that heartier greens may take a little longer to wilt.

Add-ins like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even a spoonful of pesto can give the dish a new spin. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a welcome kick if you like a bit of heat.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. The beauty of this Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta is that it’s a blank canvas for your favorite flavors. Try new combinations and make it your own!

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