One Pot Healthy Garlic Chicken Pasta - A Simple, Comforting Weeknight Dinner

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small bite-size pieces
• 8 oz whole-wheat or regular short pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (start with 3 cups, add more as needed)
• 1/2 cup milk (2% or whole) or unsweetened almond milk
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

2. 2

   Sear: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 3–4 minutes, stirring once or twice, until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate (it will finish cooking later).

3. 3

   Sauté aromatics: Lower to medium. Add onion and a pinch of salt; cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

4. 4

   Build the base: Add pasta and 3 cups chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a lively simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring often to prevent sticking.

5. 5

   Finish cooking chicken: After 5 minutes, add the seared chicken and any juices back to the pot. Continue simmering 4–6 minutes, stirring, until pasta is al dente and chicken is cooked through. If liquid reduces too quickly, splash in more broth.

6. 6

   Creamy finish: Stir in milk and Parmesan. Simmer 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly. Adjust salt and pepper.

7. 7

   Add veggies and brightness: Fold in spinach and tomatoes until the spinach wilts. Add lemon zest and juice. Taste and adjust seasoning or lemon as needed.

8. 8

   Serve: Top with more Parmesan and fresh herbs. Enjoy hot.