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Pasta dishes have long held a special place in the hearts and homes of people around the world. With their comforting textures and endless variety, these meals are often a go-to for families seeking warmth and satisfaction on busy weeknights. Among the myriad of pasta recipes, the Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Skillet stands out as a quick, flavorful, and nutritious option that seamlessly combines the best of several food groups in one easy-to-manage dish. Not only does it deliver on taste, but it also offers a well-rounded meal by incorporating protein, greens, and pasta—all cooked in a single skillet.

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Skillet

Discover the ultimate weeknight meal with this Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Skillet. This one-pan dish combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and farfalle pasta in a rich, creamy sauce, making it both delicious and nutritious. Perfect for busy families, it's quick to prepare and minimizes cleanup. Enjoy a comforting meal that’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this effortless culinary delight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz farfalle (bow-tie) pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

5 cups fresh spinach

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chicken broth (or pasta cooking water)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water.

    Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they start to soften.

        Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

          Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

            Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and then add the drained pasta. Mix well to combine all ingredients, allowing the pasta to soak up the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through.

              Serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings