One-Pot Chicken Spinach Tomato Pasta

Ingredients

• 8 oz Pasta (Penne or fettuccine)
• 2 Chicken breasts (Cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil (For cooking the chicken)
• 2 tbsp Butter (Added after removing the chicken)
• 1 tsp Garlic powder (For seasoning the chicken)
• 0.5 tsp Lemon and pepper seasoning (For seasoning the chicken)
• 0.5 tsp Paprika (For seasoning the chicken)
• Salt and black pepper (To taste; for seasoning the chicken)
• 3.5 cloves Garlic (Minced; source gives 3–4 cloves)
• 0.5 tsp Red chili flakes
• 1 Small onion (Finely chopped)
• 2 cups Cherry tomatoes
• 0.25 cup Vegetable or chicken broth (Either vegetable broth or chicken broth)
• 0.5 tsp Garlic powder (For the tomato sauce)
• 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper (To taste; for the tomato sauce)
• 2 cups Fresh spinach
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream
• 0.375 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (Source gives ¼–½ cup)
• 0.5 cup Pasta water (Reserved before draining the pasta)
• Parsley flakes (For garnish)
• Small mozzarella cheese balls (For garnish and finishing)

Steps

1. 1

   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

2. 2

   Add the pasta and cook until al dente.

3. 3

   Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

4. 4

   Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

5. 5

   Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes without moving them.

6. 6

   Sprinkle the chicken with garlic powder, lemon and pepper seasoning, paprika, and salt and black pepper. Toss to coat.

7. 7

   Continue cooking the chicken until golden and fully cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set it aside.

8. 8

   In the same pan, add the butter.

9. 9

   Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Cook until fragrant.

10. 10

    Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft.

11. 11

    Add the cherry tomatoes, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

12. 12

    Add the vegetable or chicken broth. Cook until the tomatoes soften and burst, lightly pressing them for a saucier texture.

13. 13

    Add the spinach and cook until just wilted.

14. 14

    Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.

15. 15

    Pour in the heavy cream.

16. 16

    Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

17. 17

    Taste and adjust the seasoning.

18. 18

    Mix and let the sauce gently simmer until slightly thickened.

19. 19

    Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss until everything is coated and silky.

20. 20

    Add the cooked chicken and mix through the pasta and sauce.

21. 21

    Sprinkle with parsley flakes and add the small mozzarella balls.

22. 22

    Serve hot.

Notes

The source gives ranges for the garlic, Parmesan, and servings. It does not specify exact quantities for the garnish, final simmer duration, or chicken cooking time beyond cooking until golden and fully cooked through.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• one-pot
• chicken
• creamy
• comfort food
• stovetop