Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan (Easy One-Pan Meal)

This Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan is a creamy, bright, one-pan dinner ready in 30 minutes! A family-friendly, weeknight meal bursting with fresh flavor.

Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan: A Fresh Twist on Comfort Food

When you want something cozy but still light and fresh, this Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta hits the sweet spot. Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and wilted spinach are tossed together in a creamy lemon-Parmesan sauce that feels indulgent — yet bright and refreshing.

This dish reminds me of my first apartment dinners — quick, simple, but bursting with homemade flavor. I used to make it on busy weeknights, and it always felt like a little bit of restaurant comfort right at home.

The best part? It all comes together in one pan — no fuss, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. It’s the kind of meal that brings a little sunshine to your dinner table, even on the busiest days.

Recipe Card

Servings: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Skillet Pasta:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)

• 8 ounces penne, rotini, or your favorite short pasta

• 3 cups fresh baby spinach

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)

For Serving:

• Extra Parmesan cheese

• Fresh lemon wedges

• Cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

2. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add a drizzle more oil if needed. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Pasta and Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and milk, then stir in the uncooked pasta. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes — stirring occasionally — until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.

4. Add Spinach and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add spinach and stir until wilted.

5. Finish with Lemon and Parmesan: Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm water or broth until creamy. Add butter for extra silkiness, if desired.

6. Serve: Spoon into bowls, top with more Parmesan and black pepper, and serve with a lemon wedge on the side.

Tips for the Best Skillet Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts more smoothly and adds a nutty flavor.

• Don’t overcook the pasta — it will continue to soften slightly as it sits in the sauce.

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.

• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.

• Want to make it heartier? Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan is everything you want in a weeknight dinner — creamy, zesty, and made in one pan. It’s a meal that feels fancy but is easy enough for any night of the week.

Serve it with crusty bread, a simple salad, and a sprinkle of love.

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