Description
This One-Pan Sweet and Smoky Garlic Chicken Pasta is an easy, flavorful dinner option. Tender chicken, smoky paprika, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar are combined with pasta, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes. All cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup, this dish is perfect for busy nights or a cozy weekend dinner. With smoky, savory flavors and a creamy finish from Parmesan, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or farfalle)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the pasta, chicken broth, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed.
- Stir in the spinach and cooked chicken, cooking until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can swap chicken breast for thighs for a richer flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Frozen spinach can be substituted for fresh spinach – just thaw and drain it before adding.
- To make the dish dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, One-Pan Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
