One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce
Tender chicken breast and fresh spinach come together in a rich garlic cream sauce tossed with al dente pasta for a comforting weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, olive oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb cubed chicken breast and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5-6 minutes until chicken is golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Sprinkle 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning over the chicken and pour in 3 cups chicken broth along with 8 oz penne pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and most broth is absorbed.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 4 cups chopped fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and mix in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce?
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 and Spinach Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce 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 and Spinach Pasta with Garlic Cream Sauce?
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.
