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If you're searching for a comforting yet quick dinner option, look no further than creamy chicken and spinach skillet pasta. This delightful dish combines succulent pieces of chicken with fresh spinach, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce that clings perfectly to your choice of pasta. The creamy texture and rich flavors create a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta

Looking for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner? Try this creamy chicken and spinach skillet pasta! With succulent chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich cream sauce, this one-pan meal is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious. Cooked in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy evenings. The combination of pasta and creamy goodness will please the whole family. Enjoy a satisfying, well-rounded meal that makes weeknight cooking a breeze!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (farfalle or penne recommended)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, making sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.

    Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper before adding them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

      Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant.

        Make the Sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer and reduce for about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the heavy cream, stirring until completely combined. Continue to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

          Combine Ingredients: Add the roughly chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring it in until it wilts down. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything together. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.

            Incorporate Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you desire some heat.

              Serve: Transfer the creamy chicken and spinach pasta to plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful meal!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings