Description
This Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan is a one-pan, 30-minute meal that’s fresh, creamy, and packed with flavor. It combines tender chicken, baby spinach, and pasta in a light lemon-Parmesan sauce for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole-wheat penne
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 6 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook until chicken is no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Season with remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat if desired.
- This dish is best served immediately as the sauce can thicken upon standing.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ¾ cups
- Calories: 478
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 521mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 96mg
