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- 8 ounces penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 3 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Skillet

Discover the joy of weeknight cooking with this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Skillet. This one-pan wonder blends tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and al dente penne pasta in a rich, creamy sauce that is both comforting and nutritious. Ideal for busy evenings, it allows for quick prep and effortless cleanup. Enjoy a hearty meal that satisfies cravings while sneaking in some veggies—a delicious and wholesome dinner option your whole family will love!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)

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

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely diced

5 oz fresh spinach leaves

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.

    Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, if necessary, add a drizzle more of olive oil. Then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

        Add Spinach and Cream: Stir in the fresh spinach, cooking until just wilted, which should take about 2 minutes. Next, carefully pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.

          Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and gather the Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted into the sauce and it becomes smooth and creamy. If you find the sauce too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.

            Combine: Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, then gently fold in the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is generously coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

              Serve: Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your comforting Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta!

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