Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad Served Hot

Savor the comforting flavors of this Chicken Spinach Pasta Salad served hot—a hearty, one-pan dish that brings together tender slices of golden-seared chicken, vibrant wilted spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Enhanced with a zesty touch of lemon juice, aromatic minced garlic, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this recipe combines freshness and indulgence in every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, this warm salad is a deliciously versatile meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve it straight from the skillet for a dish that's rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.

Step 4

Toss the cherry tomatoes into the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 5

Lower the heat to medium-low and add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Return the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved 1/2 cup of pasta water, sliced chicken, lemon juice, and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss everything together to combine and heat through, about 2 minutes.

Step 7

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently mix until the cheese melts and coats the dish. Add the optional balsamic vinegar for extra tanginess if desired.

Step 8

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9

Serve the warm chicken spinach pasta salad immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1149.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2680.8

Total Fat 96.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 32.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.3g
Cholesterol 408.7mg	0%
Sodium 2977.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 267.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.9g	0%
Total Sugars 7.0g
Protein 187.4g	0%

Vitamin D 19.6IU	0%
Calcium 1080.3mg	0%
Iron 20.8mg	0%
Potassium 2021.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.3%

Protein: 27.9%

Carbs: 39.8%