Chicken And Spinach Skillet Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of garlic, herbs, and sizzling chicken filling your kitchen as dinner comes together in a single pan. This Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and bursting with fresh flavor—a weeknight winner that'll have everyone going back for seconds.

I first made this dish on a chilly Tuesday when I was short on time and fridge supplies. With a couple of pantry staples, some leftover chicken, and a bag of spinach, dinner was ready in under 30 minutes. It's since become one of our go-to meals when we want something fast, hearty, and full of flavor.

Let me show you exactly why this is about to become your new favorite pasta recipe.

Why You'll Love This Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta

This skillet pasta isn't just another one-pot wonder—it's a creamy, dreamy meal that checks all the boxes for busy home cooks.

First, it comes together in one pan. That means fewer dishes and more time enjoying dinner instead of cleaning up afterward. Everything—the pasta, sauce, chicken, and spinach—cooks together for ultimate convenience.

It's lightning-fast, too. From start to finish, you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for hectic weeknights or lazy Sundays when cooking feels like a chore.

You'll also love how budget-friendly it is. With simple ingredients like pasta, chicken, broth, and spinach, you can easily feed a hungry family of four without breaking the bank.

And the flavor? Absolutely restaurant-worthy. The combination of tender chicken, silky sauce, and wilted spinach wrapped around pasta is comfort food at its best.

Once you've made it, you'll want to keep this recipe handy for those nights when you need a satisfying meal in a flash.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in how a few everyday ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Here are a few things to know before you start cooking.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly here. Thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving if you're worried about overcooking, while breasts offer a leaner option with a mild flavor that soaks up the sauce beautifully.

Short-cut pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli is ideal. These shapes hold onto the sauce better than long noodles, ensuring each bite is creamy and satisfying. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be substituted if needed.

For the sauce, you'll use a mix of chicken broth and heavy cream. The broth adds savory depth while the cream brings the rich, velvety texture. If you're looking to lighten things up, half-and-half works too, though it won't be quite as indulgent.

Fresh baby spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. It wilts quickly and blends into the dish almost seamlessly. You can also use frozen spinach in a pinch—just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.

A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end pulls everything together. It adds a salty, nutty finish that balances the creamy sauce. No special equipment is needed—just a large, deep skillet with a lid and your favorite stirring spoon.

How To Make This Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta

Making this dish is as easy as it is delicious. Here's how to bring it all together, step by step.

Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This is where the magic begins! Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.

Once the liquid is simmering, stir in your uncooked pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on it—you want the pasta tender and most of the liquid absorbed.

When the pasta is just about done, return the chicken to the pan and add the fresh spinach. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the chicken is warmed through. This only takes a minute or two.

Finish by stirring in a generous handful of Parmesan cheese. The sauce will thicken slightly as the cheese melts, clinging to the pasta in the most irresistible way.

From pan to plate, the whole process takes less than 30 minutes. Expect creamy, savory, cheesy perfection in every forkful.

Storage Options

This pasta stores like a dream, making it great for meal prep or next-day lunches. Simply let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container.

In the refrigerator, this dish will stay fresh for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken slightly, but a splash of broth or water when reheating will bring it right back to life.

Freezing is possible, but keep in mind that creamy sauces can separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of added liquid.

To reheat, pop it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, or warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it based on your preferences or what's in your fridge.

Swap the chicken for cooked Italian sausage, shrimp, or even tofu for a meatless twist. All work beautifully with the creamy base and pasta.

Try adding extra veggies like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini. Just sauté them after the chicken and before adding the broth.

You can change up the cheese as well. Mozzarella makes it stretchier, goat cheese gives a tangy edge, and Gruyère adds a nutty complexity.

For a spicy version, stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. It gives the sauce a nice little kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Don’t be afraid to get creative! This recipe is incredibly forgiving, and with a few tweaks, it can feel brand new every time you make it.

Print