Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta Recipe

There's something undeniably comforting about the sizzling sound of Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta cooking on the stove. This hearty dish blends juicy chicken, vibrant green spinach, and perfectly al dente pasta in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce that tastes like something out of a cozy Italian bistro.

I first whipped this up on a chilly Sunday evening when I was short on time but craving something indulgent. Since then, it’s become my go-to weeknight lifesaver—fast, filling, and loved by everyone at the table.

From one pan to the dinner table in under 30 minutes, this recipe is the very definition of weeknight magic.

Why You'll Love This Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food. This Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta hits all the right notes—savory, creamy, satisfying—and best of all, it’s made in just one pan.

First off, it’s incredibly quick to make. You can have this dish on the table in about 30 minutes, which is perfect for those nights when you're short on time but still want a hearty, home-cooked meal.

It’s also a breeze to clean up. Because everything comes together in one skillet, you won’t have a sink full of pots and pans to deal with afterward.

Budget-wise, this one’s a winner. It uses affordable pantry staples like pasta, broth, and frozen spinach, so you can serve up something that feels gourmet without the hefty price tag.

And don’t underestimate its versatility. You can easily tweak it to suit picky eaters, dietary preferences, or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Whether you're feeding your family or whipping up a romantic dinner for two, this dish transitions effortlessly to fit the moment.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta lies in how simple ingredients come together to create something rich and flavorful. Each item adds a distinct element that makes this dish shine.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. I like to dice them into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking and better distribution throughout the pasta. If you prefer, boneless chicken thighs offer a juicier option with slightly more depth of flavor.

Pasta is your canvas here. Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini works beautifully because the sauce clings to all those little ridges. Avoid long noodles—they don’t cook as evenly in the skillet and are harder to stir.

Fresh or frozen spinach adds both color and nutrition. Frozen chopped spinach is especially convenient—just thaw and squeeze out the excess water before adding it. If you’re using fresh, toss it in toward the end and let it wilt right into the sauce.

Garlic and onion form the aromatic base of the dish. Sautéing them first deepens the flavor profile, so don’t skip this step. Use fresh garlic if you can for a truly robust flavor.

Parmesan cheese and heavy cream make the sauce luxuriously creamy. The cheese brings saltiness and umami, while the cream smooths everything out into a velvety texture. If you need a lighter version, try half-and-half, but know the sauce will be a bit thinner.

No special tools are needed—just a good-quality non-stick or cast iron skillet with a lid and your favorite wooden spoon.

How To Make This Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta

Creating this cozy, crave-worthy meal is as simple as it gets. With just a few steps, you’ll be enjoying a warm bowl of creamy pasta in no time.

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook it until the pieces are browned on the outside and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in your diced onion. Let it cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.

Pour in your chicken broth and cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in your uncooked pasta, making sure it's submerged as much as possible. Cover and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just tender.

Once the pasta is cooked, add your spinach and cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and the spinach is wilted.

Finally, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is silky. Taste and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if you like a little brightness.

The whole process takes just about 30 minutes, start to finish, and yields a deeply comforting meal with layers of flavor in every bite.

Storage Options

Leftovers of this Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta keep beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making reheated portions just as satisfying.

If you’d like to freeze it, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Note that the sauce may separate slightly when thawed, but a quick stir while reheating usually fixes that.

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this dish is how flexible it is. With a few swaps, you can tailor it to suit any taste or dietary need.

Try substituting the chicken with cooked Italian sausage or even shrimp for a different protein twist. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat entirely and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

If you're looking to cut back on dairy, swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or coconut milk (though this will slightly change the flavor profile).

Use gluten-free pasta if you're avoiding wheat. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it can differ from traditional pasta.

Spice lovers can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or stir in some sun-dried tomatoes for a punch of bold flavor. You can even sprinkle extra cheese on top and broil it for a couple minutes for a bubbly, golden finish.

Don’t be afraid to get creative—this dish is meant to adapt to your pantry and preferences.

Print