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Creamy One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Pasta is the ultimate solution for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without the hassle of extensive cleanup. This recipe combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, creamy sauce that is sure to please everyone at the table. The appeal of a one-pot meal lies in its simplicity and convenience, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with family and friends.

Creamy One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Discover the ease of a delicious dinner with this Creamy One-Pot Chicken and Spinach Pasta recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and pasta in a rich, creamy sauce, all made in a single pot. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it's a great solution for families looking to enjoy nourishing meals without the hassle. Delight in the creamy texture and vibrant ingredients that make this pasta a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

4 cups chicken broth

12 ounces penne pasta

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

    Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

      Add the Broth and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and reduce the heat to medium. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

        Incorporate Spinach and Chicken: Lower the heat, then add the chopped spinach and the cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir to combine and let the spinach wilt for about 2-3 minutes.

          Make it Creamy: Slowly stir in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

            Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired.

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