Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about the rich aroma of chicken and garlic filling your kitchen as dinner comes together. This Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta offers tender bites of chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant spinach, all wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta — a combination that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

I first discovered this recipe during a busy weeknight scramble to make something filling with what I had on hand. Now, it’s one of my go-to meals whenever I need a quick, satisfying dinner that the whole family will devour. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new weeknight hero. This Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta checks all the boxes for a satisfying, easy, and flavorful meal.

First, it’s unbelievably quick to prepare. From start to finish, you can have this dish on the table in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for hectic evenings when time is short but you still want something homemade.

It’s also wonderfully budget-friendly. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can serve a delicious meal without stretching your grocery budget. No need for fancy ingredients — simple really is better here.

This recipe is also incredibly flexible. Whether you’re catering to picky eaters, using up leftovers, or making substitutions based on what’s in your fridge, this skillet pasta adapts beautifully. Swap the protein, change up the greens, or experiment with different cheeses to keep things fresh and exciting.

And let’s not forget the one-pan convenience. Everything cooks right in the same skillet, which means minimal cleanup — always a bonus when you’re short on time or energy after a long day.

Now that you know why this dish is a standout, let’s take a closer look at the simple ingredients that make it so special.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta lies in its simple but perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building flavor and creating the creamy texture that makes this dish so irresistible.

The pasta forms the hearty base of the dish. I recommend using penne or rotini, as their ridges hold onto the sauce wonderfully. These shapes also cook quickly and evenly, ensuring that every bite is packed with creamy goodness.

For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a fantastic choice. They cook up quickly, stay tender, and provide a lean source of protein. Cut them into even, bite-sized pieces for faster cooking and a uniform texture throughout the dish.

The spinach brings a pop of color and a dose of nutrients. Fresh baby spinach wilts beautifully into the hot pasta and sauce, balancing the richness of the cream with its earthy, slightly bitter flavor. If fresh isn’t available, frozen spinach can work in a pinch — just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly.

The sauce is where the magic really happens. A combination of heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, velvety coating that clings to every piece of pasta and chicken. The Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth that complements the creaminess without overwhelming the dish.

You’ll also need garlic and onions for that irresistible aroma and foundational flavor. A bit of olive oil brings everything together and helps the chicken brown nicely. As for equipment, a large, deep skillet or sauté pan is ideal to hold all the ingredients and allow for easy stirring.

How To Make This Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta

Making this creamy, flavorful pasta is surprisingly simple. Let’s walk through each step so you can recreate it confidently in your own kitchen.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Aim for al dente, as the pasta will finish cooking in the skillet with the sauce later. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your diced chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust before flipping. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté your chopped onions until they turn translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant — be careful not to burn the garlic.

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Once the broth has reduced slightly, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together so the sauce evenly coats the pasta and chicken. Finally, add the fresh spinach and stir gently until it wilts into the sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes from start to finish. What you’ll have is a rich, creamy skillet pasta bursting with flavor and ready to serve hot and fresh.

Storage Options

This Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

If you have leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3-4 days without sacrificing too much of its texture or flavor.

For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. While the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, a gentle reheat with a splash of broth or cream can help bring it back together.

When it’s time to reheat, place your desired portion in a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of broth or water to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir gently and heat until warmed through, being careful not to overcook the pasta.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it based on your preferences or what you have available.

If you prefer a different protein, try swapping the chicken for cooked Italian sausage, shrimp, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. Each variation brings a unique flavor profile while still pairing perfectly with the creamy sauce.

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still delicious. Alternatively, use a plant-based cream substitute to make the dish dairy-free.

Don’t have spinach? Kale, arugula, or even chopped broccoli florets work wonderfully here. Just be sure to adjust cooking times so your vegetables stay tender-crisp.

Add extra flavor by tossing in sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle heat that balances the creamy richness.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. No matter how you tweak it, this Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.

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