This Chicken Spinach Penne is the kind of dish that makes you want to grab a big fork and dig right in. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh spinach all come together in perfect harmony to create a comforting, flavorful meal. It’s simple, satisfying, and a little bit decadent—basically everything you could want in a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy it is to make and how delicious it turns out.
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Why You’ll Love Chicken Spinach Penne
This dish is perfect for those moments when you want something hearty yet easy. Here’s why it’s a winner:
Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal steps, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you still want something delicious. The creamy sauce comes together in no time, and the pasta is done before you know it!
Packed with Flavor: Tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce make every bite irresistible. Plus, the penne pasta soaks up all that delicious sauce, creating a satisfying bite every time.
Versatile: Whether you’re serving this as a family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, it fits every occasion. It’s filling, but light enough for a casual meal.
Healthy-ish: With spinach packed in and a lean protein like chicken, you’re getting some nutrients in there! It’s a tasty way to sneak in some greens without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, savory dish:
Chicken Breast: The star of the show! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook up tender and juicy, making this a lean and flavorful choice.
Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds the sauce perfectly. Penne’s ridges make it ideal for capturing the creamy goodness of the sauce.
Fresh Spinach: Adds a burst of color and nutrients. Plus, it wilts down perfectly in the sauce, adding just the right amount of freshness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the perfect depth of flavor. You can’t go wrong with this fragrant ingredient.
Heavy Cream: The secret to the creamy sauce that coats every bite. It makes the dish rich and comforting.
Parmesan Cheese: A little cheesy goodness to bring it all together. The Parmesan adds just the right amount of saltiness and flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking with these simple steps:
Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. This will be the base of your creamy creation!
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Once done, remove from the skillet and set aside to rest. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add the Spinach: Stir in the spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. It will shrink down but add a lovely burst of color and nutrition to the dish.
Combine the Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta gets coated in that creamy sauce. If you like, sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese to add an extra cheesy kick.
Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is nicely mixed and heated through, serve your Chicken Spinach Penne warm. Garnish with more Parmesan if you like, and maybe even a few extra fresh spinach leaves for a pop of color.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 520
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Chicken Spinach Penne
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even better:
Side Salad: Pair with a fresh, light salad to balance the richness of the dish. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette would be perfect.
Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with garlic bread! It’s perfect for sopping up any leftover creamy sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini or cherry tomatoes add a great contrast to the creamy pasta and add extra nutrients to your meal.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to make this dish even better:
Prep Ahead: You can prep the chicken and pasta ahead of time to make the cooking process even faster. Just keep them separate in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra veggies to the mix, like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer. Fettuccine, farfalle, or rigatoni would all work well.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prep the chicken and pasta, then make the sauce when you’re ready to serve. It’s a great make-ahead option!
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Freezing this dish isn’t recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Q5: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A5: Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the sauce.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Of course! Simply adjust the ingredients accordingly and increase the cooking time if needed.
Q7: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A7: Yes! You can swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or even mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
Q8: Can I make this dish lighter?
A8: You can lighten it up by using half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream and using less cheese.
Q9: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A9: To thicken the sauce, you can let it simmer longer, or add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it.
Q10: What other protein can I use?
A10: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even a plant-based protein like tofu for a different twist!
Conclusion
This Chicken Spinach Penne is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes: quick, easy, flavorful, and comforting. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that’ll fill you up without feeling like a hassle. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach all come together in perfect harmony, and I guarantee it’ll be a hit with everyone at the table. Happy cooking, and enjoy!
Print
Chicken Spinach Penne
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Chicken Spinach Penne is a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, spinach, and pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and satisfying!
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
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- 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.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the thawed and squeezed dry spinach to the skillet and cook for a minute or two, until heated through.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg (if using).
- Add the cooked penne pasta and cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to combine everything. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- You can use other types of pasta, such as rotini, farfalle, or linguine.
- Add other vegetables, such as sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use fresh spinach instead of frozen if you prefer. Just cook it in the skillet until wilted.
- Substitute other cheeses for Parmesan, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
- For a richer sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
The sauce was scarce or almost nonexistent seems it should be way more than 1/2 cup for the broth and the cream with all that penne pasta and chicken