One Pan Chicken Spinach Pasta

Pot full of chicken spinach pasta with garlic bread slices on top.

This 30-minute Creamy One Pan Chicken Spinach Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight recipe with succulent chicken, fresh spinach, tomatoes, & tender pasta.

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 635kcal

Equipment

Le Creuset Pan
Spatula or cooking spoon

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil divided
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 cup diced onion
4-6 cloves garlic minced
2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 15-ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes undrained
8 ounces penne pasta uncooked
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or however much spice you like
½ cup half and half
1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
4 cups fresh baby spinach
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

US Customary - Metric

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Instructions

Brown Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped chicken and Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Cook Onions and Garlic: In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Cook Pasta & Other Ingredients: Add the chicken broth, tomatoes and juice, pasta, cooked chicken pieces, and crushed red pepper to the pan and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, cover skillet, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Add Cheese: Remove lid and stir in the half and half and mozzarella cheese. Cook for an additional minute or until warmed through and the cheese melts. Remove the pan from the heat and add the fresh spinach. Stir until it wilts and combines with the other ingredients. Adjust seasoning if needed and top with the shredded parmesan. Enjoy!

Notes

- Chicken Browning: Brown the chicken pieces on all sides for a nice color and added depth of flavor. Don't overcrowd the pan to ensure even browning.
- Customize with Vegetables: You can add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added color and flavor in this easy pasta dish.
- Thickness of Your Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, add more cheese to thicken it. If it’s too thick for your liking, add more chicken broth.
- Storing: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Nutrition