Mediterranean One Pan Spicy Chicken & Spinach Pasta

Mediterranean One-Pan Spicy Chicken & Spinach Pasta

This Mediterranean One-Pan Spicy Chicken & Spinach Pasta is a flavorful, wholesome meal that combines tender chicken, warm spices, fresh spinach, and pasta—all cooked together in one skillet for easy cleanup. Inspired by bold Mediterranean flavors, this dish features a balance of heat from chili flakes, brightness from lemon, and creaminess from Parmesan and olive oil.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and nutritious without the hassle of multiple pots.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

Total Time: 30–35 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

½ tsp garlic powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta and Sauce:

8 oz (225g) whole wheat or regular penne, fusilli, or rotini pasta

3 cups baby spinach (or chopped fresh spinach)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water with 1 bouillon cube)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus zest from 1 lemon)

1 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Extra Parmesan cheese

Crushed red pepper for more heat

Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.

Season the diced chicken with smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Build the Pasta Dish:

In the same pan, add 2 tbsp olive oil and reduce heat to medium.

Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the pasta, chicken broth, basil (or Italian seasoning), and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover.

Cook the pasta for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. (If needed, add a splash more broth or water for desired sauciness.)

Finish the Dish:

Stir in the spinach and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the spinach wilts.

Return the cooked chicken to the pan.

Add the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest, stirring until everything is well combined and creamy.

Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more chili flakes if desired.

Serve:

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.

Tips

Use Short Pasta Shapes:
Penne, fusilli, rotini, or farfalle work best because they hold sauce well and cook evenly in one-pan recipes.

Adjust the Spice Level:
Start with ½ tsp of crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat. Add more for spicier results, or omit entirely for a family-friendly version.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
Stir occasionally and check for doneness. The pasta will absorb broth and release starch to create a light, creamy sauce without adding heavy cream.

Balance the Flavors:
Use fresh lemon juice and zest to brighten the dish and balance the heat from the spices. Taste before serving and adjust as needed.

Cook Chicken Evenly:
Dice the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces so it cooks quickly and stays tender.

Variations

Protein Options:

Shrimp Pasta:
Swap chicken for shrimp—add them during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Turkey or Ground Chicken:
Use ground chicken or turkey for a leaner alternative.

Vegetarian Version:
Leave out the chicken and add chickpeas, white beans, or mushrooms for plant-based protein.

Vegetable Add-Ins:

Artichoke Hearts:
Stir in canned or frozen artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flair.

Roasted Red Peppers or Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Add these for bursts of sweetness and bold flavor.

Zucchini or Bell Peppers:
Dice and sauté along with the garlic for extra vegetables.

Cheese & Sauce Variations:

Feta Cheese:
Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta for a tangier, more Mediterranean finish.

Creamy Sauce Option:
Stir in 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or cream cheese at the end for a creamier texture.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with warm pita bread, hummus, or a side of Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.

Enjoy with a glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a light pairing.

Q&A

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes! If you have leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken, add it at the end when stirring in the spinach and tomatoes to prevent overcooking.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta, but watch the cooking time—gluten-free pasta may cook faster or require additional broth.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
A: You can use frozen spinach—just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the pan.

Q: Can I make this recipe less spicy?
A: Yes. To reduce heat, simply omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount to a pinch. You can also serve the chili flakes on the side for customizable spice levels.

Q: How can I meal prep this recipe?
A: This pasta reheats well! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate for 4 Servings)

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and brands used.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean One-Pan Spicy Chicken & Spinach Pasta is a simple, satisfying meal that brings together the bold, zesty flavors of the Mediterranean with minimal cleanup. With tender chicken, leafy greens, bright lemon, and a hint of spice, it’s a balanced dish that feels indulgent yet healthy.

This pasta is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual family dinners. It’s easily customizable to your spice preference, dietary needs, or the vegetables you have on hand—making it a go-to one-pan recipe for any season.