Hearty skillet featuring creamy sauce, spinach, artichokes, and protein over pasta for an easy meal.
# Ingredients:
→ 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 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
13 - ½ tsp salt, or to taste
14 - ¼ tsp ground black pepper
15 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Cook 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 3-4 minutes until translucent.
03 - Stir in 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, then add cream cheese. Stir continuously until cream cheese melts and sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
06 - Add cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss to evenly coat and heat through.
07 - Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
