Who says chicken has to be boring?!?!
This Chicken Spinach Pasta is a bright, satisfying one-pan dinner you (and your family) will turn to again and again. This version is made dairy-free and alpha-gal friendly — so you get all the aroma of sautéed garlic, lemon, and fresh spinach without cheese or butter (unless you can tolerate dairy… then you can add cheese too).
It’s ready in about 30 minutes, cooks entirely on the stovetop in one frying pan, and beats the time and cost of eating out.
Estimated Cost (Based on Average Grocery Prices)
| Ingredient | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast (3) | $8.00 |
| Olive OIl (2 tbsp) | $0.40 |
| Garlic | $0.50 |
| Lemon Juice | $0.75 |
| Spinach (20 oz) | $4.00 |
| Whole Grain Penne (16 oz) | $1.50 |
| Chicken Broth (1/2 cup) | $0.75 |
Total Recipe Cost: ~$15.90
Servings: 4
Cost per serving: ~$3.98
Where the Nutrition Comes From
- Protein (Chicken): Provides high quality protein to help with muscle growth and keeps you fuller for longer.
- Complex Carbohydrates (Pasta): Whole-grain penne provides long-lasting energy, perfect for dinner or post-workout refueling.
- Fiber & Micronutrients (Spinach + Garlic + Lemon): Spinach packs fiber, vitamins A and C, iron, and folate. Lemon juice contributes vitamin C and adds flavor without extra calories.
- Healthy Fats (Olive Oil): Olive oil offers monounsaturated fats that support heart health and nutrient absorption — important for overall wellness.
Check out the recipe below:
Recommended products to help with this recipe:
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Chicken Spinach Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. You can also cook pasta in the microwave by making sure all pasta is covered with water and microwave for 12-15 minutes.
- Sauté chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook about 1 minute.
- Flavor: Pour in the chicken broth, then add lemon juice and zest. Simmer 2–3 minutes for more flavor
- Add pasta & spinach: Add the cooked pasta and chopped spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and is fully mixed in, about 2–3 minutes.
- Serve: Divide among bowls. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Below is the estimated nutritional value for each serving of this recipe:
- Calories: 484 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fats: 13 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Fiber: 7 g
