Chicken Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon Parmesan

Chicken spinach skillet pasta with lemon parmesan is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any meal. Picture tender chicken, fresh spinach, and pasta cooked together in one skillet with a burst of lemon and creamy parmesan. It’s light but still full of flavor, making it a comforting meal for family, friends, or yourself.

Chicken

The chicken is the main star of this dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best because they cook quickly and soak up all the flavors in the skillet. Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. It pairs perfectly with the zesty lemon and parmesan, adding protein without making the meal feel too heavy.

Spinach

Spinach gives this dish a nice pop of color and boosts its nutrition. It’s full of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition. Fresh spinach works best, though you can use frozen if needed. The spinach wilts down nicely, blending with the chicken and pasta without overpowering the dish’s flavors.

Skillet Pasta

Cooking pasta in the skillet is a game-changer. It not only saves time but also allows the pasta to absorb all the delicious flavors. You cook the pasta right in the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, so it gets infused with extra flavor. It makes everything come together in one pan, simplifying the cooking process.

Lemon

The lemon adds a refreshing twist to the dish. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances out the richness of the parmesan and chicken. Lemon keeps the dish feeling light and zesty, plus it’s packed with vitamin C. It gives the pasta a fresh, lively taste that makes it stand out.

Parmesan

Parmesan is the perfect finishing touch for this dish. Its nutty, salty flavor complements the chicken and spinach beautifully. Grating fresh parmesan right over the pasta allows it to melt into a creamy sauce, adding richness without making the dish feel too heavy. Parmesan ties all the ingredients together into one delicious meal.

How to Bring It All Together

Start by cooking the chicken in a large skillet with a bit of olive oil. Once it’s browned, remove it and cook garlic in the same skillet until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and let it wilt. Then, add pasta and chicken broth, allowing the pasta to cook in the broth. Return the chicken, squeeze lemon juice over the pasta, and sprinkle with parmesan. Stir everything together and enjoy!

Why This Dish Works

This dish is balanced perfectly with flavors. The chicken adds heartiness, the spinach offers freshness, the pasta brings comfort, and the lemon adds brightness. The parmesan creates a creamy finish that ties it all together. Plus, everything is cooked in one skillet, making it both flavorful and easy to clean up.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, chicken spinach skillet pasta is always a good idea. It’s quick, easy, and feels fancy enough for guests. The one-skillet cooking method saves time and dishes, making it a go-to option for any occasion. It’s kid-friendly and adaptable to different ingredients.

Tips for Success

To make the best version of this dish, avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it tender. Use fresh lemon juice for maximum flavor and grate your own parmesan to ensure it melts smoothly into the pasta. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to customize the dish to your liking.

Recipe for Chicken Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon Parmesan

Here’s how you can make this delicious dish step by step. It’s simple, quick, and only requires one skillet!

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 3 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
• 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or any short pasta)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spinach

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and stir it around until it wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, add it now and cook until it’s heated through.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta in Broth

Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is covered by the broth. Bring it to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 4: Add the Chicken Back

Once the pasta is cooked, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything together so the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta and spinach.

Step 5: Add Lemon and Parmesan

Turn off the heat and squeeze the juice of one lemon over the pasta. Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese on top and stir everything together until the cheese melts and coats the pasta, chicken, and spinach.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chicken spinach skillet pasta warm. Add an extra sprinkle of parmesan or a lemon wedge on the side if desired. Enjoy your delicious, easy-to-make meal!

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