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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the creamy goodness of a Chicken and Spinach Pasta Skillet. This delightful one-pan meal brings together tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a rich and luscious sauce. The combination of flavors and textures not only satisfies the palate but also provides a wholesome dining experience that is hard to resist.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Skillet

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Skillet! This easy one-pan recipe combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked penne pasta in a rich, creamy sauce, all ready in under 30 minutes. With wholesome ingredients like garlic and Parmesan cheese, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your time constraints!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (about 2 cups) penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

4 cups fresh baby spinach

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to your spice preference)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

      Add the Garlic: When the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be cautious not to let the garlic burn, as this can affect the sauce's flavor.

        Incorporate Spinach: Gradually add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Stir gently for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts down significantly.

          Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to blend the ingredients together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

            Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and fully incorporate into the sauce. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes at this stage. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper as desired.

              Combine with Pasta: Gently add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the penne pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.

                Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added color and spice, if desired. Serve the pasta hot and enjoy!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings