Imagine a mouthwatering meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, dirties only one pot, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen! This One Pot Spring Chicken Pasta is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner solution - a perfect blend of tender chicken, al dente pasta, burst cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for simplicity, or just someone who loves delicious food without complicated techniques, this recipe is your culinary salvation!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting chicken breast into uniform cubes, halving cherry tomatoes, and measuring out all other ingredients.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wide-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant.
- Add cubed chicken breast to the heated pan, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly golden and mostly cooked through.
- Pour chicken broth into the pan with the chicken, then add uncooked pasta. Ensure pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce heat to medium and cover the pan. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking, until pasta is almost al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes and stir gently into the pasta mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and fold in fresh spinach, allowing the residual heat to wilt the leaves slightly.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Cut chicken into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Use medium-high heat when searing chicken to achieve a nice golden color without overcooking.
- Stir pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even liquid absorption.
- Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rotini that cook evenly in liquid.
- Don't overcook the spinach - it should just be gently wilted to retain its bright color and nutrients.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken naturally.
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic, Italian herbs, or a splash of white wine during cooking.
- If the pasta seems too dry, add a little more chicken broth or a splash of water to achieve desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 467kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg
