Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?

Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works beautifully here. Simply skip the sautéing step and add the chopped chicken when returning ingredients to the skillet in Step 4. Heat it through with the pasta and spinach.

What type of pasta works best in a skillet meal?

Short pasta shapes like penne , fusilli , rotini , or rigatoni work best. They cook evenly and do a great job of holding onto the lemony sauce.

How do I make this dish more creamy or more light?

To make it creamier , stir in: Heavy cream , half-and-half , or a dollop of cream cheese A bit of butter with Parmesan for richness To keep it light , stick with: Lemon juice , broth , and a touch of olive oil Optional: Add a little pasta water to loosen the sauce without heaviness

Can I add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini?

Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. Try sautéing: Sliced mushrooms Zucchini Bell peppers Artichoke hearts Sauté them in olive oil before or with the garlic for extra flavor and volume.

Is spinach pasta healthier than regular pasta?

Spinach pasta contains added vegetable nutrients like Vitamin K , iron , and folate , but the difference is minor unless it's made with a large spinach ratio. In this chicken & spinach skillet pasta , the real health boost comes from using fresh spinach, lean chicken, and a light lemon-based sauce instead of heavy cream.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?

Yes! If you have leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken, go ahead and slice it up. Add it in during the final 3–4 minutes when you're tossing the pasta and spinach in the skillet. Just make sure it’s heated through.

Is it okay to freeze this chicken & spinach skillet pasta?

Technically yes, but for best results, freeze it without the spinach . Spinach tends to become mushy when thawed. Add fresh spinach when reheating. Also, store in an airtight, freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently in a skillet.

Can I substitute the penne with another pasta shape?

Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, fusilli , rigatoni , or even farfalle will work well. Just aim for short, sturdy pasta that blends easily with chopped chicken and wilted spinach.

What can I serve with chicken & spinach skillet pasta?

A citrus-forward pasta like this shines with light, refreshing sides. Consider: A crisp arugula or cucumber salad Roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes

7 Zesty Reasons You'll Love This Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta

Description

This chicken & spinach skillet pasta with lemon & Parmesan is a quick, one-pan dinner bursting with fresh flavor—perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
8 oz uncooked whole wheat penne pasta
6 oz fresh baby spinach
1 lemon (zest and juice)
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for a kick

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Instructions

Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken strips with salt and pepper.
Cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes), flipping halfway.
Remove and set aside.
Build the Flavor Base
Add garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Cook the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked pasta.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Spinach & Chicken
Once pasta is tender, fold in fresh spinach until wilted.
Return cooked chicken to the skillet.
Brighten & Finish
Add lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan.
Toss everything together until creamy and well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American-Mediterranean fusion