This dish is the ultimate comfort food—juicy chicken breast pieces are sautéed with garlic and onions, then simmered with pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese gives it a luscious texture and deep flavor, while spinach adds a touch of freshness and color. Best of all, it’s made in one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Optional:
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Simmer the Pasta
- Add the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and milk to the skillet.
- Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Make It Cheesy
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
5. Add the Greens
- Fold in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon the cheesy garlic chicken pasta into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you like.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~748 kcal
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: High (from cheese and milk)
Tips & Variations:
- Add Veggies: Try mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
- Swap Proteins: Use shrimp or rotisserie chicken for a twist.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce for heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
This dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Want to turn this into a baked pasta casserole with a golden crust? I can help with that too!