One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, rich chicken Alfredo pasta made in one pot with tender spinach and freshly grated Parmesan for a quick weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, packed fresh spinach, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb cut-up boneless skinless chicken breasts and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz penne pasta, 2 cups chicken broth, and 2 cups heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 cups packed fresh spinach, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and the cooked chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts into the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt, black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan?

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 Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan?

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 Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan 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 Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan?

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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