Name: Parmesan Chicken Spinach Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Penne pasta (cooking according to package directions, drained, and set aside); 4 tablespoons Olive oil (or as needed; divided); 1 small Sweet Vidalia onion (diced small); 1.25 pounds Boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1+ teaspoon Kosher salt (or to taste); 1+ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper (or to taste); 4 to 5 cloves Garlic (finely minced or pressed); ¼ cup Lemon juice; 3 ounces Fresh baby spinach (or more if desired); ⅓ cup Shredded Parmesan cheese (or more if desired)

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One evening, after a long day at work, I craved something comforting yet quick to make. That’s when I decided to whip up a delicious batch of Parmesan Chicken Spinach Pasta. The aroma of sautéing onions and garlic filled my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. As I tossed the tender chicken and vibrant spinach with the pasta, I could hardly wait to dive in. This dish became a staple in my home, perfect for busy nights or when friends come over. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors that leaves everyone wanting more.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
450 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Skillet, Cutting Board, Mixing Bowl

What We Adore About This Parmesan Chicken Spinach Pasta

It’s a Complete Meal

One of the best aspects of Parmesan Chicken Spinach Pasta is that it’s a one-pot wonder! You get your protein, veggies, and carbs all in one dish. It reduces cleanup time and ensures you’re not spending hours in the kitchen.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This dish is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even elegant dinner parties. The beautiful colors of the spinach and the golden chicken make it eye-catching on any dining table.

Flavorful and Satisfying

The combination of sautéed garlic, fresh spinach, and creamy Parmesan cheese creates a rich flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Each bite is a comforting hug, making it hard to stop at just one serving.

Easy to Customize

If you have different ingredients on hand or specific dietary needs, this recipe is very adaptable. You can easily swap the pasta or add in other vegetables, making it suitable for various preferences.

Quick to Prepare

With minimal prep work and cooking time, Parmesan Chicken Spinach Pasta is perfect for those busy evenings when you need something tasty on the table without a long wait.

Ingredient List for Parmesan Chicken Spinach Pasta

In this recipe, each ingredient has its role, working harmoniously to create a delicious meal. The penne pasta serves as a hearty base, while the chicken adds protein, and the spinach brings a pop of color and nutrients. The Parmesan cheese not only enhances the flavor but also adds creaminess, making this dish truly comforting.

Penne pasta: 1 pound, cooked according to package directions, drained, and set aside. The pasta provides a satisfying base that holds all the delicious flavors of the dish.
Olive oil: 4 tablespoons, or as needed; divided. This is essential for sautéing the onion and chicken, adding a lovely richness.
Sweet Vidalia onion: 1 small, diced small. This adds sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.

Boneless skinless chicken breast: 1.25 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces. A lean protein that makes this dish filling and nutritious.
Kosher salt: 1+ teaspoon, or to taste. Essential for enhancing the flavors of all ingredients.
Freshly ground black pepper: 1+ teaspoon, or to taste. Adds a touch of heat and complements the other flavors beautifully.

Garlic: 4 to 5 cloves, finely minced or pressed. The aromatic quality of garlic lends an irresistible fragrance and flavor.
Lemon juice: ¼ cup. This adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the dish.
Fresh baby spinach: 3 ounces, or more if desired. Nutritious and adds vibrant color.

Shredded Parmesan cheese: ⅓ cup, or more if desired. A key ingredient that brings creaminess and depth to the dish.

Preparation Steps for Parmesan Chicken Spinach Pasta

Cooking this dish is a breeze! You’ll love how quickly you can have a delightful meal on the table. Follow these straightforward steps to create your masterpiece.

To begin, take a large pot and cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside. It’s essential to keep the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook a bit once added back into the dish.

While the pasta is cooking, grab a very large skillet or pot. Add about 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil along with the diced Vidalia onion. Sauté over medium-high heat for approximately 3 minutes. You want the onion to soften but not brown, so stir it intermittently.
Next, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle in the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, ensuring that the chicken cooks through completely. Stir and flip the pieces regularly to achieve even cooking and a nice golden color.
Once the chicken is cooked, toss in the finely minced or pressed garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring nearly continuously. The aroma will be fantastic, and you’ll know it’s ready when the garlic is fragrant.

Now, introduce the lemon juice into the pan, stirring to combine everything evenly. The lemon will add a wonderful brightness that lifts the flavors.
Turn off the heat and carefully fold in the cooked pasta and fresh baby spinach. Stir everything well until the spinach begins to wilt and the ingredients are nicely combined. If the mixture seems dry, drizzle in some additional olive oil to help everything toss easily.
Give the dish a taste test. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper as needed. Since this is a larger quantity, it’s crucial to ensure it’s well-seasoned. I usually find that a total of about 2 teaspoons of salt and 1.5 teaspoons of pepper is perfect.

Finally, evenly sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top. If you love cheese, feel free to stir some into the pasta as well! Serve immediately while it’s warm and gooey.

Things Worth Knowing

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality Parmesan cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Cooking Chicken: Ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly but remains moist by not overcooking.

Pasta Cooking Tip: Cook your pasta to al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the other ingredients.
Taste as You Go: Always taste your dish before serving, as adjusting seasoning at the end can enhance the overall enjoyment.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

There are countless ways to make this dish your own! Here are some great tips to inspire you:

Storage: This dish will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating.
Freezing: You can freeze this pasta for up to 4 months. Just note that the spinach may lose some color, but it won’t affect the taste.
Variations: Consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for an extra boost of flavor and texture.

Protein Options: Swap the chicken for shrimp or even a plant-based protein for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Serving Ideas for Parmesan Chicken Spinach Pasta

Family Dinners: Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this dish brings everyone together at the table.

Casual Gatherings: Serve it at casual get-togethers; it’s sure to impress your friends with its vibrant colors and flavors.
Lunch Meal Prep: Make it ahead for lunch for the week. Just reheat and enjoy a hearty meal.
Pair with Wine: A light white wine or sparkling water makes a great pairing to balance the richness.

Seasonal Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on the season for the freshest flavors.
Garnish: Top with extra Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness.

FAQ

Yes, you can definitely make Parmesan Chicken Spinach Pasta ahead of time! Simply prepare the dish as directed, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, just reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. This makes it a great option for meal prep!

This pasta is versatile and can be paired with various sides. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works perfectly to complement the flavors. You might also consider serving it with some garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For something light, a fresh fruit salad can be a delightful ending to your dinner.

Absolutely! While Parmesan Chicken Spinach Pasta is delicious as is, you can make several substitutions to suit your taste. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also experiment with different types of pasta such as whole grain or gluten-free.

Leftover Parmesan Chicken Spinach Pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days. If you’d like to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it in a suitable container or freezer bag for up to 4 months. Just be mindful that the spinach may change color when thawed, but the flavor will remain good!

Conclusion

Parmesan Chicken Spinach Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace on a plate. With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next dinner; it’s sure to impress your family or guests!

Parmesan Chicken Spinach Pasta

The perfect comfort food for any dinner, Parmesan Chicken Spinach Pasta combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy Parmesan cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal. It's easy to make and everyone will love it, so why not try it tonight?

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 12 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

Wooden Spoon
Skillet
Cutting Board
Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

1 pound Penne pasta cooking according to package directions, drained, and set aside
4 tablespoons Olive oil or as needed; divided
1 small Sweet Vidalia onion diced small
1.25 pounds Boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
1+ teaspoon Kosher salt or to taste
1+ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper or to taste
4 to 5 cloves Garlic finely minced or pressed
¼ cup Lemon juice
3 ounces Fresh baby spinach or more if desired
⅓ cup Shredded Parmesan cheese or more if desired

Instructions

To a large pot, cook the penne pasta according to package directions, drain; set aside.
While the pasta cooks, to a very large separate deep-sided skillet or pot, add about 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, the Vidalia onion, and sauté over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, or just until onion begins to soften; stir intermittently.

Add the chicken, salt, and pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is done and cooked through; stir and flip intermittently to ensure even cooking.
Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant; stir nearly continuously.
Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.
Turn off the heat, add the cooked pasta, spinach, and stir very well to combine. As needed, add additional olive oil so the mixture tosses easily.

Taste the dish and if needed add additional salt and pepper. You're flavoring a very large quantity of food, so ensure it's to your liking.
Evenly sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and serve. If you prefer a cheesier dish, stir the Parmesan into the pasta, and add additional to be sprinkled over the top. Serve immediately.