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Delicious Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta served in a skillet.

Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta

A delightful one-pan meal combining chicken, spinach, and pasta that is quick, comforting, and full of flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Can substitute with avocado oil.
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces A lean protein choice; turkey or tofu can work as alternatives.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Fresh herbs can be used for more flavor.
  • 1 cup diced onion Shallots can serve as a decent substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic Garlic powder can be a quicker option.
  • 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth Vegetable broth is a perfect substitute for a vegetarian option.
  • 14.5 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes Fresh tomatoes can work if preferred.
  • 8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked, approximately 2 ½ cups) Brunette varieties add more nutrition, but feel free to use your favorite type.
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper Omit for a milder dish.
  • ½ cup half and half Substitute with coconut milk for dairy-free.
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded, part-skim or whole) Cheddar can also be used.
  • 5 ounces fresh baby spinach Kale can serve as a hearty substitute.
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Nutritional yeast provides a dairy-free alternative.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a deep 12-inch skillet or sauté pan and place it over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped chicken and cook, stirring frequently. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper; continue cooking for approximately 4 minutes or until completely cooked through.
  3. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  4. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan and include the onions. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute or two.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth, add the diced tomatoes, pasta, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
  7. Stir in the cooked chicken and bring to a boil. Cover the skillet, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the pasta is tender, approximately 15 minutes.
  8. Stir in the half-and-half and mozzarella, letting it simmer for another minute or until the cheese has melted into a creamy concoction.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts from the heat of the pasta.
  10. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve hot.

Notes

For extra brightness, add a splash of lemon juice before serving. For meal prep, consider cooking the chicken in bulk ahead of time and storing in portions.