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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/chicken-spinach-penne-recipe/