Description
A creamy, garlicky one-pot chicken pasta made in under 25 minutes. This easy dinner recipe combines tender chicken, parmesan cheese, and pasta for the ultimate comfort meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
4 boneless chicken breasts
1 cup spinach, chopped
½ cup cream cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut a pocket into each chicken breast (without slicing through).
Mix spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella in a bowl.
Fill each chicken breast with the mixture and secure with toothpicks.
Season outside with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat oil in a skillet and sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side.
Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Notes
Pasta Options: Penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni work well. Choose what you have on hand.
Dairy-Free Tip: Substitute with unsweetened oat milk and dairy-free parmesan for a lactose-free version.
Protein Swap: You can substitute chicken with cooked shrimp, tofu, or leftover rotisserie chicken.
Make It Veggie: Add baby spinach, mushrooms, or frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Thickening Tip: If your sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for 2–3 more minutes or stir in a spoonful of cream cheese.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.
Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made in advance and portioned for quick weekday lunches.
Kid-Approved: Mild flavors and creamy texture make it a hit for picky eaters.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT20M
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg