If there’s one dinner that can check all the boxes — easy, creamy, flavorful, and hearty — it’s this One Pot Chicken with Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta. Think of your favorite spinach artichoke dip, but upgraded into a full, satisfying meal with juicy seared chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s rich without being heavy, brightened with garlic and lemon, and comes together in just one pot for minimal cleanup. Ideal for weeknights, but elegant enough for weekend guests.
Spinach artichoke dip is a classic that many know and love, but transforming it into a main course takes things to the next level. This dish builds on that same creamy, savory base, but with added protein and pasta for a full-bodied dinner. And the best part? Everything cooks in a single pot. No extra pans, strainers, or complicated steps. Just one pot, one spoon, and one delicious result.
The chicken is seasoned simply and seared until golden, creating a flavorful base. The aromatics — garlic and onions — deepen the flavor, while the broth and cream turn it into a silky sauce. Adding pasta directly into the pot means it soaks up all that savory goodness. And just before serving, in goes the spinach and artichokes, giving the dish its signature tang and earthiness.
People love this recipe because it feels indulgent but is surprisingly balanced. The chicken adds heartiness, while the greens keep things fresh. And while the sauce is creamy, it’s not over-the-top heavy, thanks to a clever combination of cream cheese and broth. It’s exactly what you want when you’re craving comfort but don’t want to overdo it.
Whether you’re feeding a family, a group of friends, or just meal-prepping for yourself, this pasta fits the bill. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers. You can even customize it — try swapping in turkey or beef, adding mushrooms for a meaty texture, or throwing in chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Busy weeknights demand recipes like this. It requires no complicated prep, no unusual ingredients, and no special equipment. Just simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser across all ages. Kids love it. Adults go back for seconds.
And let’s not forget the texture. The pasta is perfectly tender, the chicken juicy, the sauce luxuriously smooth. The bits of spinach and chopped artichokes add color and bite, while a hint of lemon zest and parmesan sharpens every bite. Each forkful has everything you need.
This recipe also works great for casual entertaining. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables, and you’ve got an impressive meal that doesn’t feel fussy. Your guests will ask for the recipe — and you won’t be stuck with a mountain of dishes.
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned cook, this recipe is forgiving. The steps are straightforward, and the measurements don’t need to be exact to taste great. Even if you’re short on time or energy, you can whip this up in about 30 minutes.
If you’ve ever wanted to recreate a restaurant-style pasta dish at home without the fuss, this is the one. It tastes gourmet but is secretly super simple. That’s why it’s become one of the most loved recipes for home cooks across the country.
This dish also bridges the gap between comfort food and a veggie-forward meal. You’re getting a good dose of greens without even trying, thanks to the creamy sauce making everything so craveable.
It’s easy to double the recipe if you’re feeding more people or want to stock your freezer. And because the flavors meld so well, it only gets better the next day. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan or even a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Let’s be honest: there aren’t many dinners that check this many boxes. Delicious. Fast. Nutritious. Easy cleanup. Kid-approved. Leftover-friendly. This One Pot Chicken with Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta really does it all.
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup canned or frozen artichoke hearts, roughly chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Optional: red pepper flakes, extra parmesan for serving
Instructions:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add garlic and onion. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the uncooked pasta and return the chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in chopped artichoke hearts and spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted.
- Add parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Mix well.
- Serve hot with extra parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.
Tips:
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for more depth.
- Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
- Let the pasta rest a few minutes off heat before serving — it will thicken up perfectly.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- One pot means less cleanup.
- Creamy without being too heavy.
- Balanced with protein, veggies, and carbs.
- Ready in 35 minutes or less.
- Customizable to your taste.
This One Pot Chicken with Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta is a weeknight dinner hero — creamy, comforting, and easy to make. With simple ingredients and just one pot, you’ll get a satisfying meal everyone will love, ready in about 30 minutes.
