Need a quick, flavorful dinner that’s more interesting than plain spaghetti? This Easy Chicken with Pasta Dinner is fast, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights.
I hadn’t planned to post this recipe — it started as a no-fuss dinner on a night I didn’t feel like cooking. After a long day of family photos I wanted something simple but tasty. I dug through the fridge and found chicken that needed to be used along with a few pantry staples. What began as a throw-together meal turned into a dish I loved so much I had to share. It’s easy, comforting, and looks like something you’d serve guests.
Easy Chicken with Pasta Dinner Recipe
This quick and easy dinner hits the spot when you want a hearty pasta meal without a lot of fuss.
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4
Ingredients
- 10–12 ounces pasta
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 16 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
- 10 ounces frozen spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 28 ounces jar of your favorite pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and Italian seasoning and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the chicken is mostly cooked through.
- Add the frozen spinach to the skillet and sprinkle with salt. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and stir occasionally until the spinach thaws and heats through.
- Drain any excess liquid from the chicken and spinach, then return them to the pan. Pour in the pasta sauce and add the crushed red pepper flakes. Cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Turn off the heat and stir the cooked pasta into the sauce and chicken mixture. Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan over the top, cover, and let stand for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve immediately.
- Author: Andi
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: Italian
Want more easy pasta dinners? Try these ideas.
