Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a comfort food dinner that combines creamy, zesty flavors with tender chicken and wholesome spinach, this Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan is the perfect choice. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, date night, or anytime you crave a flavorful pasta dish without the fuss. Easy to make and bursting with fresh, cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
- One-pan meal means easy cleanup and less stress.
- Bright lemon and creamy Parmesan create a crave-worthy sauce.
- Chicken and spinach add protein and greens for a balanced dish.
- Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- A crowd-pleasing recipe that’s adaptable for picky eaters or special diets.
Ingredients for Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (about 450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 10 oz (285g) dried penne pasta
- 4 cups baby spinach, packed (about 4 oz)
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice)
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley, to finish (optional)
Directions: Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet (12-inch preferred) over medium-high heat.
- Add cubed chicken, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes). Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Sauce & Cook Pasta
- In the same skillet, add a little extra oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in dried penne, remaining salt, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Add Spinach, Lemon & Parmesan
- Stir in baby spinach and cooked chicken. Continue cooking until spinach wilts (about 2 minutes).
- Remove from heat. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, tossing until the cheese melts into a silky sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and parsley if desired.
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips for Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream with the milk.
- Short on time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save 5-10 minutes, as suggested by The Kitchn.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta if desired; cook times may vary (Healthline: Gluten-Free Pasta Guide).
Variations for Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
- Sausage & Kale Skillet Pasta: Swap chicken for Italian sausage and spinach for kale.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken and add sliced mushrooms or white beans for protein.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Upgrade: Add 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Required Equipment
- Large (12-inch) deep skillet with lid
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for Parmesan zesting
Storage Instructions for Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture.
- Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce tends to separate.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
- Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete, satisfying meal.
- Pair with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
- A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon complements the dish beautifully (Liquor.com: Pasta Wine Pairings).
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest, smoothest sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—test it for al dente before adding spinach.
- Zest the lemon before juicing to make it easier and extract maximum flavor (Bon Appétit: How to Zest a Lemon).
FAQ: Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Absolutely! Short pastas like rigatoni or fusilli also work well, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Simply omit the chicken and add extra veggies or canned white beans for protein.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- You can easily make it gluten-free by using your preferred gluten-free pasta—be sure to monitor the cook time.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
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2Add garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
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3Add the pasta to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
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4Stir in the fresh spinach and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
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5Remove from heat. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine until creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
520 caloriescal
Protein:
38 gg
Fat:
15 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
54 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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