One-Pot Spinach Chicken Pasta (Printable Version)

Hearty one-pot dish with tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (approximately 10.5 oz)

→ Vegetables & Greens

02 - 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped (approximately 3.2 oz)
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Pasta & Liquids

05 - 9 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
06 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Dairy (optional)

08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (approximately 0.9 oz)

→ Seasonings

09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
10 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# Method Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked.
02 - Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2 minutes until the onion softens.
03 - Stir in pasta, chicken broth, dried Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring mixture to a boil.
04 - Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
05 - Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese if desired and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, optionally garnished with additional Parmesan or olive oil drizzle.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pot, which means minimal cleanup when you're exhausted from the day.
  • The spinach sneaks iron and nutrients into something that tastes purely indulgent.
  • Twenty minutes from hungry to fed, no fancy techniques or long ingredient lists required.
02 -
  • Don't skip the moment where the chicken is only lightly browned before you add the broth—it actually finishes cooking in the simmering liquid and stays more tender that way.
  • If your pasta isn't quite tender after the initial simmer, don't panic; add a splash more broth and let it cook another minute or two rather than fishing out undercooked pieces.
  • Spinach releases water as it cooks, so if your final dish looks thinner than you expected, that's completely normal and not a mistake.
03 -
  • Dice your chicken smaller than you think necessary—it cooks faster and distributes more evenly throughout the pasta.
  • If you have fresh garlic and time, mince it by hand rather than using pre-minced; the flavor is noticeably brighter and fresher in a quick dish like this.
Return