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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered - 1 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature - 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil This creamy spinach artichoke chicken pasta dish is packed with flavor. The penne pasta serves as the perfect base, soaking up the rich sauce. I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their tenderness. The fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. Artichoke hearts bring a tangy twist that pairs well with the other ingredients. For the creamy texture, cream cheese is essential. It melts beautifully into the dish, creating a rich sauce. The freshly grated parmesan adds a savory touch that I can't resist. Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian blend transform this meal into something special. Olive oil gives a nice base to cook the chicken and adds depth to the flavors. When making this dish, gather all your ingredients first. It makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, having everything ready will help you create a delightful meal every time! First, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add one pound of diced chicken. Season it well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often. You want the chicken to be golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. It should reach 165°F to be safe to eat. Next, pour in one cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any tasty bits from the pot's bottom. Raise the heat slightly and bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Carefully add 12 ounces of penne pasta, making sure it is fully submerged. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low. Add one cup of softened cream cheese, one cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese, two cups of roughly chopped spinach, and one can of drained and quartered artichoke hearts. Gently stir all the ingredients together. Allow the cream cheese to melt and mix in well. This should take about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach your desired creaminess. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. Let the dish sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld before serving. - To prevent pasta from sticking, stir it well during cooking. This helps keep it loose. - If your sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth. Mix well until smooth. - You can add extra spices like red pepper flakes for heat. This gives a nice kick. - For garnishing, freshly torn basil adds color and flavor. Grate more parmesan on top, too. - An ideal pot is a large Dutch oven. It distributes heat well for even cooking. - A wooden spoon is useful for mixing. It helps avoid scratching your pot. {{image_4}} Alternative protein choices If you want a change from chicken, try using shrimp or tofu. Both add great flavor. You can also use cooked sausage or turkey for a different taste. Vegetable swaps Feel free to get creative with veggies! Kale or arugula can replace spinach. You could also add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for more texture and color. Gluten-free options To make this dish gluten-free, swap the penne pasta for a gluten-free pasta. There are many good options available in stores. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as it may differ. Vegan alternatives For a vegan twist, use plant-based cream cheese and skip the chicken. You can add chickpeas or lentils for protein. Nutritional yeast can replace parmesan for a cheesy taste. Instant pot version If you are short on time, use an Instant Pot. Start by sautéing the chicken in the pot, then add the broth and pasta. Cook on high pressure for about 4 minutes. After that, stir in the cream cheese and veggies. Oven-baked variations For a baked version, cook as usual but transfer to a baking dish before adding cheese. Top with extra cheese and bake at 350°F until bubbly and golden, about 20 minutes. This gives a nice crispy top. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the creamy texture and flavors intact. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to reheat it properly to enjoy the taste again. If you want to freeze the dish, use a freezer-safe container. It should seal tightly. This pasta can last for about two months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. The creamy spinach artichoke chicken pasta stays fresh for about three days in the fridge. When frozen, it can last for up to two months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Enjoy your delicious meal even after cooking day! You can use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Sour cream also works well for creaminess. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try cashew cream or coconut cream. These alternatives keep your dish rich and smooth. Always check the flavor to ensure it matches your taste. Yes, you can use frozen spinach in this dish. Just thaw it first and drain any excess water. This helps keep the pasta from getting too watery. Frozen spinach is a great time-saver and still adds nice flavor and nutrition. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer. Besides temperature, look for a golden color and firm texture. Cut a piece open; the meat should be white, not pink. This ensures your meal is safe and tasty. This article covered a delicious recipe with penne pasta, chicken, and spinach. You learned about the key ingredients, easy steps, and how to enhance the flavors. The tips helped you avoid common cooking mistakes and offered ideas for ingredient swaps. Remember, feel free to adjust the recipe to meet your needs. With proper storage, you can enjoy leftovers later. Cooking can be fun and tasty! Trust these methods to create a meal you’ll love.

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Pasta One Pot

Indulge in this creamy spinach artichoke chicken pasta delight that's sure to be a family favorite! With tender chicken, fresh spinach, and artichoke hearts, this dish combines rich flavors in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, it's both satisfying and delicious. Don't miss out on making this simple yet impressive meal—click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered

1 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature

1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)

1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

    Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape any flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Raise the heat slightly and bring the broth to a gentle simmer.

      Carefully stir in the penne pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in the broth. Cover the pot with a lid and cook the pasta for about 10 minutes, stirring midway through to prevent sticking.

        Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, grated parmesan, chopped spinach, and quartered artichokes to the pot.

          Gently stir everything together, allowing the cream cheese to melt and combine with the other ingredients, which should take about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, feel free to add a splash more chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.

            Taste the dish and adjust the flavor with additional salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as necessary.

              Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy pasta in warm bowls, possibly garnishing with freshly torn basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top for a bright and colorful presentation. Enjoy your delightful meal!