Chicken Spinach Penne Recipe

There are few dishes as universally adored as pasta, and one of the best combinations for an unforgettable pasta dish is chicken, spinach, and a rich creamy sauce. Chicken Spinach Penne is a classic Italian-inspired dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh spinach, and penne pasta, all tossed in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This dish is not only comforting but also provides a satisfying blend of protein, greens, and carbs. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a date night, or a gathering, Chicken Spinach Penne will never disappoint.

Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through each step of the process to create this flavorful Chicken Spinach Penne dish.

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by boiling water for the pasta. In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes, until al dente (firm to the bite).

Pro Tip: Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce later. You can also drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta to prevent it from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to cook the chicken. Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board, and if they are too thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner, even pieces. This will help them cook faster and evenly. If you prefer, you can also cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes.

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a bit of color and extra flavor.

In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Set the chicken aside for later.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet that you cooked the chicken in, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots (if using) to the pan. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the shallots are softened.

This will help infuse the oil with flavor and create a rich base for the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Now it’s time to build the creamy sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly. This will intensify the flavor of the broth, giving the sauce a deeper taste. Once the broth has simmered down a little, pour in the heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, allowing them to melt into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture. The cheese will also help thicken the sauce.

Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want a little heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this point for a slight kick.

Step 5: Add the Spinach

Once the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy, add the fresh spinach. The spinach will wilt down quickly, so don’t be concerned if it looks like a lot initially. Stir it into the sauce, and within a few minutes, the spinach will cook down and blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Add the drained penne pasta to the pan with the creamy spinach sauce. Toss the pasta gently, making sure every piece is coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Next, add the cooked chicken to the pan and stir until everything is well combined. Allow everything to heat through, and taste for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is mixed together and heated through, it’s time to serve! Spoon the Chicken Spinach Penne onto plates or into a large serving bowl. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a touch of color and additional flavor.

For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some more freshly grated Parmesan on top of each serving before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Spinach Penne

1. Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and integrates well into the sauce. If you use frozen spinach, be sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid adding excess water to the sauce.

2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so be sure to cook them until just done. If you’re using boneless skinless chicken thighs, they can also be a great alternative, as they tend to stay juicier.

3. Pasta Water is Key: Always reserve some pasta water before draining the penne. It’s full of starch and can help you achieve the perfect creamy sauce consistency when added to the pan with the sauce.

4. Cheese Quality Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for the best melt and flavor. Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.

5. Make It Your Own: Feel free to add other vegetables or herbs to this dish. Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can bring a unique twist to this recipe.

Variations of Chicken Spinach Penne

While the basic Chicken Spinach Penne is delicious on its own, there are a few variations you can try to personalize the dish:

1. Add Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the garlic and shallots for an earthy addition to the sauce.

2. Make It Spicy: Add a few fresh red chili slices or extra red pepper flakes for more heat.

3. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adding sun-dried tomatoes will give the dish a tangy, sweet contrast to the creamy sauce.

4. Swap the Chicken: For a twist, swap the chicken with shrimp or turkey for a lighter protein.

Conclusion

Chicken Spinach Penne is the ultimate comfort food that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. By following the step-by-step instructions in this guide, you’ll be able to create a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish that is both satisfying and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a hearty meal that’s bound to become a family favorite.

Yield: 4

Chicken Spinach Penne Recipe

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There are few dishes as universally adored as pasta, and one of the best combinations for an unforgettable pasta dish is chicken, spinach, and a rich creamy sauce. Chicken Spinach Penne is a classic Italian-inspired dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh spinach, and penne pasta, all tossed in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This dish is not only comforting but also provides a satisfying blend of protein, greens, and carbs. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner, a date night, or a gathering, Chicken Spinach Penne will never disappoint.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or 1 ½ cups fresh tomatoes, diced)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
   
3. Sauté Garlic and Spinach:
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it wilts. (If using frozen spinach, ensure it's fully thawed and drained before adding.)
   
4. Add Tomatoes and Cream:
   Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the skillet, followed by the heavy cream. Stir to combine, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
   
5. Combine the Chicken and Pasta:
   Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet along with the cooked penne pasta. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
   
6. Finish and Serve:
   Stir in the Parmesan cheese and butter (if using), allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
   
7. Serve:
   Serve the chicken spinach penne hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like basil or parsley, if desired.

Notes

For a Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap out the cream entirely and use chicken broth for a lighter, more broth-based sauce.

Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.

Substitute the Chicken: Feel free to swap chicken with shrimp or even sausage for different flavors.