Chicken Spinach Penne Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Spinach Penne is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Tender chicken and nutritious spinach come together in a rich Parmesan sauce tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 lb penne pasta
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Add the thawed and squeezed dry spinach to the skillet and cook for a minute or two, until heated through.
6. Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Step 7: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg, if using.
8. Step 8: Add the cooked penne pasta and cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to combine everything. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
9. Step 9: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

• Try other pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or linguine for a different texture.
• Add vegetables such as sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
• For a spicy kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes when adding the cream and broth.
• Use fresh spinach instead of frozen; just cook it until wilted in the skillet.
• Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for varied cheese flavors.
• Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and fragrance.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh spinach works well. Simply cook it in the skillet until wilted before adding the broth and cream. You may need to use more fresh spinach since it reduces significantly when cooked.

How can I make the sauce creamier or thinner?

To make the sauce creamier, add more heavy cream or cheese. If it’s too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Chicken Spinach Penne Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 132 reviews

Chicken Spinach Penne is a creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast, nutritious spinach, and a rich Parmesan-infused sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines sautéed chicken and vegetables with pasta, all brought together in a flavorful cream sauce with hints of garlic and nutmeg.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Pasta

• 1 lb penne pasta

Liquids and Dairy

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use, and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add the spinach: Stir in the thawed and squeezed-dry spinach, cooking for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
5. Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Finish the sauce: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Mix well until the cheese is melted and incorporated.
7. Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked penne pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
8. Serve: Serve the dish immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• You can use other types of pasta, such as rotini, farfalle, or linguine.
• Add other vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts for variation.
• For a spicier kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce.
• Use fresh spinach instead of frozen, cooking it until wilted in the skillet.
• Substitute different cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago instead of Parmesan.
• For a richer sauce, opt for half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for additional flavor and color.

Keywords: chicken spinach penne, creamy chicken pasta, spinach pasta recipe, easy chicken pasta, Italian pasta dish