One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Penne
A quick, creamy one-pot penne pasta with tender chicken and fresh spinach, ideal for busy weeknights. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 530 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 2 (about 12 oz), diced into 1/2-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk milk
- 4 cups packed fresh spinach
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 oz, softened cream cheese
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 diced boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz) and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Step 3: Pour in 3 cups low sodium chicken broth and 1 cup whole milk, then add 10 oz penne pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Stir in the cooked chicken, 4 cups packed fresh spinach, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 oz softened cream cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the cheese melts and spinach wilts.
- Step 6: Season with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Penne take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Penne?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Penne?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Penne for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Penne?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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