Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of tender chicken, garlicky spinach, and creamy pasta swirling together in one skillet. This recipe fills your kitchen with the kind of warmth that makes everyone wander in, hungry and curious about what's cooking.

this Recipe

I first discovered this dish on a particularly hectic weekday evening, juggling work deadlines and hungry kids. With just a few pantry staples and some leftover spinach, I created what is now a staple in our weekly dinner rotation. It's quick, comforting, and always a hit with the whole family.

Get ready, because this easy one-pan wonder is about to become your go-to weeknight lifesaver.

Why You'll Love This Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta isn't just delicious – it's a true game-changer for busy cooks.

First of all, it's incredibly quick and easy. From start to finish, you’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. No need to juggle multiple pots and pans — everything comes together in a single skillet, minimizing both mess and stress.

Budget-conscious cooks will appreciate how affordable this recipe is. With simple ingredients like pasta, chicken, and spinach, you won’t have to break the bank to serve a hearty meal that feeds the entire family.

It's also wonderfully versatile. Whether you use fresh or frozen spinach, substitute different types of pasta, or swap in your favorite cheese, this recipe adapts easily to whatever you have on hand.

Most importantly, it's family-friendly. Even picky eaters love the creamy sauce and tender bites of chicken. The spinach melts into the sauce, adding nutrition without overwhelming the flavor.

Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this comforting dish week after week.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient contributes to a perfectly balanced, creamy, and satisfying meal.

The chicken is the star of the dish. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and stay tender when simmered in the sauce. However, boneless thighs can also be used if you prefer a richer flavor and juicier texture.

The pasta acts as the hearty base, soaking up the creamy sauce beautifully. Short shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle work especially well because their nooks and ridges hold onto the sauce. If you only have spaghetti or fettuccine, those will work too, but be sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking.

The addition of spinach brings both color and nutrition. Fresh baby spinach wilts quickly and blends seamlessly into the sauce, but frozen spinach works just as well if thawed and drained beforehand. Either way, it adds a nice earthy flavor and a healthy dose of vitamins.

For the sauce, a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a rich, velvety texture without being too heavy. The broth adds savory depth, while the cream balances it with a smooth, indulgent finish. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can use half-and-half instead, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.

You’ll also need a large skillet or sauté pan with a lid. Having a wide cooking surface helps everything cook evenly, and the lid is essential for wilting the spinach and finishing the pasta.

How To Make This Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta

Making this creamy, comforting pasta is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step walk-through to ensure success.

Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan warms up, season your chicken pieces with a bit of salt and pepper for extra flavor. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer, allowing it to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. This helps develop a nice golden crust that adds flavor to the finished dish.

Once the chicken has a beautiful sear, flip the pieces and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in minced garlic and diced onions, stirring frequently. Cook until the onions turn translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant — about 2-3 minutes. This step builds the aromatic foundation for the sauce.

Next, pour in the chicken broth and use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those little bits are flavor gold! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Now it’s time to add your pasta directly into the skillet along with the broth. The pasta will cook right in the liquid, absorbing all that delicious flavor as it softens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Once the pasta is nearly al dente, stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Continue simmering gently until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness and the sauce thickens slightly.

Finally, add the fresh spinach. Stir it into the hot pasta, allowing it to wilt from the residual heat. In just a minute or two, the spinach will become tender and blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

In about 30 minutes, you'll have a creamy, flavorful skillet meal that's ready to serve.

Storage Options

This Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta stores quite well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. While the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, a gentle stir while reheating usually brings it back together. Frozen portions are best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal taste and texture.

When it comes time to reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. The microwave also works well for individual portions — just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the reasons I love this recipe is how adaptable it is. With a few tweaks, you can make it suit any taste or dietary need.

For a lower-carb version, you can swap the pasta for cooked cauliflower florets or spiralized zucchini. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with these lighter alternatives, offering the same comforting flavors with fewer carbs.

If you're looking for extra protein, consider adding cooked bacon or pancetta along with the chicken. The smoky, salty flavor adds a delicious depth to the dish.

For a vegetarian twist, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. You can also add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and heartiness.

Switching up the cheese is another easy way to create new flavors. A handful of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, or even a dollop of ricotta stirred in at the end can elevate the creamy texture even further.

Don’t hesitate to experiment! This recipe is forgiving and flexible, making it a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

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