One-Pot Creamy Italian Chicken and Spinach Pasta
A comforting one-pot meal where tender chicken and fresh spinach meld with creamy Italian-seasoned pasta for a quick weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, dried Italian seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 2, cut into 1-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and add 8 oz penne pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 cups fresh baby spinach, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens slightly. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Italian Chicken and Spinach Pasta 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 Creamy Italian Chicken and Spinach Pasta?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Italian Chicken and Spinach Pasta?
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 Creamy Italian Chicken and Spinach Pasta 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 Creamy Italian Chicken and Spinach Pasta?
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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Equipment for this recipe
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