One Pan Chicken Spinach Alfredo Recipe
Introduction
This One Pan Chicken Spinach Alfredo is a creamy, comforting meal that comes together quickly and easily. With tender chicken, fresh spinach, and rich Parmesan, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 14 ounces chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces short pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Step 2: Season the cubed chicken with garlic salt and black pepper.
- Step 3: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned.
- Step 4: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and pasta. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Stir in fresh spinach, cover again, and cook until the pasta is tender, about 5-7 more minutes.
- Step 7: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Step 8: Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips & Variations
- Use your favorite short pasta like penne or rotini for best texture and sauce absorption.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
- Substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach if preferred.
- To lighten the dish, swap half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken so it cooks evenly and safely. If using frozen, thaw completely before cooking.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well as they hold the creamy sauce nicely and cook evenly in the skillet.
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One Pan Chicken Spinach Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One Pan Chicken Spinach Alfredo is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and rich Alfredo sauce all cooked together with pasta in a single skillet. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, delivering delicious flavors and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Liquids and Dairy
- 14 ounces chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry Staples and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 8 oz short pasta
Instructions
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil to coat the pan.
- Season the Chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts with garlic salt and black pepper evenly on all sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides and mostly cooked through.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not burned.
- Add Liquid and Pasta: Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and uncooked short pasta. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the liquid and begin to soften.
- Cook with Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach, cover again, and continue cooking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes or until the pasta is tender and spinach is wilted.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated, creating a creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Serve: Plate the chicken Alfredo immediately while hot and enjoy this rich one-pan meal.
Notes
- For best results, use short pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini to allow even cooking with the sauce.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with baby spinach or kale for a different texture.
- To make it lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: One pan chicken alfredo, chicken spinach pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken dinner, one skillet meals
