Hearty skillet meal combining spinach, artichokes, creamy sauce, and protein-enriched pasta for a fulfilling dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta & Protein
01 - 8 oz whole wheat or protein-enriched penne or rotini pasta
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 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
13 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
14 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
15 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
# How to Make:
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; cook onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
03 - Incorporate minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add cooked chicken or white beans, artichokes, and spinach; sauté 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
05 - Pour in broth and milk; add cream cheese cubes and stir continuously until melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
06 - Stir in cooked pasta, Parmesan, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using; toss to coat evenly and heat through.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; serve warm with optional additional Parmesan and fresh herbs.
