One-Pan Spicy Chicken & Spinach Pasta

Bold, fiery, and irresistibly creamy, this one-pan pasta dish is a flavor-packed meal for spice enthusiasts! Tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a kick of chili come together in a single pan for a quick, satisfying dinner that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. 🔥🍗🌶
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust for desired heat level)
- 200g pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup grated cheese (mozzarella or Parmesan)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Build the Flavor: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red chili flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring to prevent burning.
- Cook the Pasta: Pour in chicken broth and milk (or cream), stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the pasta. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Spinach & Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in fresh spinach and grated cheese until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
- Serve & Spice It Up: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra chili flakes for those who crave more heat! Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of cheese or a pinch of chili flakes for an extra kick. 🌶️🔥
Tips for Success
- Spice It Your Way: Adjust the chili flakes to suit your heat tolerance—start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.
- Creamy Twist: For an extra-rich sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Make It Quick: Prep ingredients ahead of time for an even faster weeknight meal.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.
This one-pan spicy chicken and spinach pasta is your go-to for a bold, no-fuss dinner that delivers big on flavor. Perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests with minimal cleanup! 🍝✨