Chicken Spinach Gluten Free Pasta Skillet, that’s how this story begins, and it’s one I love to share.
Ciao! I’m Matteo Romano, a Tuscan-born chef now living in the U.S., and this is GoldenGlutenFree.com, my way of bringing Italian tradition to gluten-free kitchens around the world. My journey into gluten-free cooking wasn’t a straight path. Years of unexplained fatigue finally led to a diagnosis of gluten intolerance, which changed everything. I had to relearn how to make my favorite dishes, and this chicken spinach gluten free pasta skillet is a perfect example of what came from that transformation.
It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor. The kind of dish that fills your kitchen with savory aromas, perfect for crisp fall nights when the leaves are golden and your appetite craves something comforting. It’s become a favorite among readers for good reason, it’s easy, nutritious, and delivers big flavor in just one pan.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make it successfully, including variations, storage tips, and beginner-friendly steps.
Chicken Spinach Gluten Free Pasta Skillet
Equipment
- large skillet
- knife
- cutting board
- measuring cups
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast boneless, cubed
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups gluten-free pasta penne or rotini, uncooked
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups baby spinach lightly packed
- 1/2 cup cream dairy-free or regular, or unsweetened almond milk
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan or vegan cheese alternative
- juice of half a lemon optional, for brightness
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add cubed chicken and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, oregano, and smoked paprika. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the uncooked pasta and chicken broth. Stir well.
- Bring to a low boil. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the spinach and cooked chicken. When the spinach wilts (about 2 minutes), add the cream and parmesan. Stir until creamy and heated through.
- Add lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients for the Chicken Spinach Gluten Free Pasta Skillet
To create this dish, you’ll need just a handful of fresh, nourishing ingredients. Here’s what goes into this cozy skillet dinner:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast, cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free penne or rotini (uncooked)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups baby spinach, lightly packed
- 1/2 cup dairy-free or regular cream (or plain unsweetened almond milk)
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan or vegan cheese alternative
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)
Tip: Use a certified gluten-free pasta like brown rice or quinoa-based noodles. You can find more pasta ideas in our gluten-free chicken dinner recipes guide.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Beginner-Friendly)
This chicken spinach gluten free pasta skillet comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
1. Sear the chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the cubed chicken and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, oregano, and smoked paprika. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Build flavor
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the uncooked gluten free pasta and the chicken broth. Stir well.
3. Simmer
Bring the mixture to a low boil. Cover and reduce the heat. Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
4. Add spinach and cream
Stir in the baby spinach and cooked chicken. Once the spinach wilts (about 2 minutes), pour in the cream or milk and sprinkle in the parmesan. Stir until creamy and heated through.
5. Finish and serve
Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Pair it with a crisp salad or roasted veggies like those in our gluten-free casseroles section for a full meal.
Tips for Success
- Cut chicken evenly: This helps ensure even cooking.
- Use high-quality broth: It adds depth and richness to the pasta.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Gluten-free pasta can get mushy. Keep it al dente for best texture.
- Add cheese last: Stirring it in at the end keeps it creamy and smooth.
We’ve had great feedback from readers using this recipe as a base. One reader added roasted mushrooms, inspired by our lemon herb chicken skillet, and said it turned out beautifully.
Variations to Try
This recipe is very adaptable, especially if you’re accommodating dietary needs.
Make it dairy-free
Use a dairy-free cream like oat or almond, and top with nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan. It’s a method similar to how we prep sauces in our gluten-free mac and cheese with hidden veggies.
Add-ins and swaps
- Sun-dried tomatoes for a Tuscan vibe
- Mushrooms for umami
- Kale instead of spinach
- Gluten-free gnocchi instead of pasta
Looking for more flavor-packed meals? Try our chicken piccata with capers for a bright, citrusy twist.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This chicken spinach gluten free pasta skillet stores beautifully for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: Freeze without the cream for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with added cream when ready.
- Meal prep: Divide into single portions for easy lunches or weeknight dinners. Add steamed broccoli or roasted sweet potatoes from our bulk gluten-free comfort food recipes for variety.
FAQ – Chicken Spinach Gluten Free Pasta Skillet
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Thaw it first and squeeze out extra moisture before adding.
What’s the best gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Brown rice pasta or a quinoa-corn blend holds up well in skillet dishes.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the chicken and add white beans or mushrooms for protein.
Does this work with dairy-free cream cheese?
Yes, it melts beautifully into the sauce and gives a rich flavor.
Final Thoughts
This chicken spinach gluten free pasta skillet is more than a one-pan wonder. It’s a bowl of comfort, rooted in Italian simplicity and tailored for gluten-free living. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, it’s a recipe that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Want more one-skillet recipes like this? Check out our quick chicken stir fry and parmesan crusted chicken, both fast, easy, and gluten-free.