Name: Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided); 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste); 1 cup diced onion; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes; 5 ounces fresh baby spinach; 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth; ½ cup half and half; 1 cup mozzarella cheese (part skim or whole, shredded); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked, approximately 2 ½ cups); ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (or to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight, then this Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant medley of tender chicken, fresh baby spinach, and gooey cheeses all cozying up with perfectly cooked penne pasta in a rich tomato broth. The blend of Italian seasoning, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a hint of crushed red pepper elevates each bite to something truly special. Not only is this recipe a feast for your taste buds, it’s also a complete meal that comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it as practical as it is delicious.

Ingredients You'll Need

A shiny metal frying pan contains several chunks of white chicken pieces seasoned with black pepper and herbs, spread mostly on the left side of the pan. On the right side, a light brown wooden spatula with a hole near its center rests inside the pan. The pan is on a white marbled surface. The chicken pieces have a slightly browned look on some edges from cooking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every great dish begins with the right ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. The beauty here is how simple the list is yet each item plays a key role—whether it’s building flavor, adding texture, or bringing vibrant color to the plate.

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided): Offers a fruity richness and ensures the chicken and veggies cook to tender perfection without sticking.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces): The star protein that keeps the dish hearty and satisfying.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb mix that infuses the chicken with classic Italian flavors.
Salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that brighten and balance every component.
1 cup diced onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth once lightly caramelized.
1 teaspoon minced garlic: Just enough to bring an aromatic punch without overpowering.
2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the pasta moist while imparting savory flavor without excess saltiness.
14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes: Brings smoky undertones and vibrant color to the sauce base.
8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked): The perfect shape for soaking up sauce and delivering satisfying chewiness.
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (or to taste): Adds just a hint of heat that wakes up the palate.
½ cup half and half: Creates a luscious creamy texture that rounds out the tomato acidity beautifully.
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts into a gooey layer of cheesy goodness that everyone loves.
5 ounces fresh baby spinach: Provides a fresh green pop and subtle earthiness, plus a vitamin boost.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nutty finish that ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring frequently so every piece browns evenly and cooks through, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. Once your chicken is golden and fully cooked, transfer it to a plate and keep it warm—this ensures it stays juicy and tender for the final dish.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and then the diced onions. Cook them gently, letting their edges soften and turn a light golden brown in 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and stir it around for about 1 to 2 minutes until you can smell that lovely garlicky aroma building—that scent means you’re on the right track!

Step 3: Simmer Pasta and Sauce

Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and fire roasted tomatoes along with their juices. Then add the uncooked penne pasta, crushed red pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything to combine, then fold the cooked chicken back into the skillet as well. Bring this blend to a boil, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to medium-low, letting it simmer until the pasta is tender—about 15 minutes. This is where all the flavors meld beautifully and the pasta absorbs all the savory juices.

Step 4: Add Dairy and Spinach

Once the pasta is perfectly softened, stir in the half and half along with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Allow the cheese to melt and everything to warm through for a couple of minutes, creating a creamy, delicious sauce. Remove the skillet from heat and then gently stir in the fresh baby spinach; it will wilt quickly from the residual heat, adding a lovely earthy freshness and vibrant color. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for that extra final touch of flavor.

How to Serve Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta Recipe

A white shallow bowl is filled with three layers of food: the bottom layer is penne pasta in a creamy sauce with specks of black pepper, the middle layer has soft green spinach leaves mixed evenly, and the top layer features chunks of cooked chicken with bits of red tomato and sprinkled thin white shavings of cheese. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a gray cloth partially visible in the upper right corner and small white bowls holding shredded cheese and red pepper flakes nearby. A fork leans at the bowl's bottom right edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this already stellar Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta Recipe, try garnishing with fresh basil leaves or a handful of chopped parsley. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a tiny sprinkle of extra Parmesan can add that restaurant-worthy finish. If you like a little crunch, toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes make excellent toppings as well.

Side Dishes

This dish stands strong on its own, but if you want to add a side or two, a crisp, simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also complements the creamy, savory pasta beautifully, making the whole meal feel extra indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta Recipe straight from the pan for a rustic, cozy vibe that invites everyone to dig in family-style. Alternatively, plate individual portions in a wide shallow bowl and top with a small sprig of herb for an elegant touch that’s perfect for casual dinner parties or special weeknight meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually have a chance to deepen overnight, making your next meal just as satisfying as the first.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but the texture of the spinach may change slightly when thawed. If freezing, store portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the pasta moist and creamy. Alternatively, the microwave works well—just cover the container and heat in short bursts, stirring often to evenly warm that cheesy goodness without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully here, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since different shapes take slightly different times to become tender.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to keep the dish hearty and flavorful. You might also want to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned fire roasted diced tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes can work, but canned fire roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky flavor that is tough to replicate. If you use fresh, roasting them beforehand enhances their sweetness and depth to mimic that flavor.

What can I substitute for half and half in this recipe?

If you don’t have half and half on hand, you can use a combination of milk and cream or just whole milk for a lighter option. The sauce might be slightly less rich but will still taste delicious.

How spicy is this dish with the crushed red pepper?

The crushed red pepper adds a gentle warmth rather than intense heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste. For a milder version, reduce it or omit it entirely; for more kick, sprinkle in a bit extra.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a one-pan meal that brings together wholesome ingredients in a deliciously simple way, and this Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta Recipe hits that mark perfectly every time. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a fantastic recipe to have up your sleeve. So grab your skillet, get cooking, and enjoy the wonderful flavors that come together in this hearty, cheesy, spinach-filled pasta delight!

Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need