Hearty skillet meal featuring creamy sauce, spinach, artichokes, and protein-enriched pasta for quick preparation.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta & Protein
01 - 8 oz whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta (penne or rotini)
02 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (or drained canned white beans for vegetarian option)
→ Vegetables
03 - 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
04 - 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
05 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
07 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
08 - 1 cup milk (or unsweetened plant-based milk)
09 - 4 oz low-fat cream cheese, cubed
10 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
13 - ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
14 - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
15 - Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Prepare pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add cooked chicken or white beans, artichoke hearts, and spinach to skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until spinach wilts.
05 - Pour in broth and milk, then add cream cheese cubes. Stir continuously for 3 to 4 minutes until cream cheese melts and sauce thickens.
06 - Add cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss thoroughly to coat and heat through.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
