Pin It A hearty, protein-packed skillet pasta featuring a creamy sauce, tender spinach, tangy artichokes, and your choice of protein for a satisfying one-pan meal.
This skillet recipe has become a family favorite because of its creamy texture and ease of preparation.
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Ingredients
- Pasta & Protein: 8 oz (225 g) whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta (penne or rotini recommended), 2 cups (300 g) cooked chicken breast, diced (or use drained canned white beans for vegetarian option)
- Vegetables: 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped, 1 can (14 oz/400 g) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered, 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 1 cup (240 ml) milk (or unsweetened plant-based milk), 4 oz (115 g) low-fat cream cheese, cut into cubes, 1/2 cup (60 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, 1/2 tsp salt or to taste, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
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Instructions
- Step 1:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and cook for 3 4 minutes until translucent.
- Step 3:
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4:
- Stir in the cooked chicken (or white beans), artichokes, and spinach. Sauté for 2 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Step 5:
- Pour in the broth and milk, then add the cream cheese cubes. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy, about 3 4 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Step 7:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Pin It This dish always brings the family together for a warm and comforting meal.
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Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta skillet with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing complement.
Variations
Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to enhance the flavor profile.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains wheat/gluten (unless gluten-free pasta is used), milk, and cheese (dairy). For dairy-free options, use plant-based milk and vegan cream cheese/parmesan.
Pin It 
This creamy skillet pasta makes meal prep simple and delicious every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What protein options can I use?
Chicken breast is recommended, but white beans offer a vegetarian alternative. Plant-based chicken strips can also be used.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety without altering the cooking process.
- → How do I achieve the creamy sauce texture?
Melting low-fat cream cheese with broth and milk while stirring gently creates the smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- → What herbs enhance this dish’s flavor?
Dried Italian herbs add a fragrant, savory note that complements the spinach and artichokes beautifully.
- → Can I add extra vegetables for variation?
Yes, sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers make excellent additions to enrich the flavor and texture.
