Easy Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe - One-Pan

Weeknights just got a whole lot cozier and more delicious! If you're searching for an easy creamy chicken pasta recipe that delivers on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen, you've found your new go-to. Forget bland chicken and complicated steps; this Creamy Chicken Spaghetti is a game-changer, bringing rich, real flavor to your table in about 30 minutes.
This isn't just another dinner; it's a creamy, comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for those moments when you need something fast, crave that luscious creamy texture, and want the satisfying combination of chicken and pasta all in one delightful meal. Whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned pro looking for a quick win, this recipe is designed for you.
Skillet Size: Perfect for a 12-inch deep skillet or sauté pan.
Promise: Creamy, satisfying, but never heavy.
Convenience: True one-pan wonder, mostly using pantry ingredients.
What makes this particular chicken pasta so distinctive? It’s all in the details! We’re talking about the bright, intense burst of sun-dried tomatoes, the aromatic punch of garlic, and the savory depth of Parmesan. These ingredients come together to create big flavor with minimal effort. Plus, a handful of fresh spinach wilts right into the sauce, adding a touch of vibrant color and a hint of balance. Get ready to experience a truly distinctive and utterly delicious easy creamy chicken pasta recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
• 5 oz baby spinach
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest or a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice (to brighten)
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)

Directions

1. Season & Sear Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch deep skillet or sauté pan (with a lid) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches to avoid crowding) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these add incredible flavor to your sauce! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook Spaghetti in the Sauce: Add the broken spaghetti to the simmering sauce, ensuring it's mostly submerged. Stir and toss the pasta frequently as it softens, separating the strands. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or according to package directions, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked, add an extra splash of warm chicken broth (about ¼ cup at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Finish Creamy: Remove the skillet from the highest heat. Slowly stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Lowering the heat prevents the cheese from clumping.
6. Add Spinach: Fold in the baby spinach, stirring until it wilts into the creamy pasta. This usually takes just 1-2 minutes.
7. Return Chicken: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces if desired, then return it to the skillet, stirring gently to combine and heat through.
8. Check Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. ([Food Safety and Inspection Service][7])
9. Final Taste: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten all the flavors. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.