Creamy Chicken Spinach Penne
A quick and easy pasta dish combining tender chicken, nutritious spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce that's perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
For the chicken and pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Ensure it’s trimmed for a lean dish.
- 1 lb penne pasta The ridges of the penne hold on to the sauce perfectly.
For the sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Extra virgin is best for flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped Use a sweet onion for a milder flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives the best aroma and taste.
- 1 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry Fresh spinach works too—just adjust the quantity.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth Use low-sodium to control saltiness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream For that creamy texture; half-and-half can be a lighter alternative.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving Grate it fresh for maximum flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor; adjust to your preference.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground is ideal for better taste.
- pinch nutmeg (optional) It adds an aromatic depth to the cream sauce.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Sautéing the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of 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, around 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking Onions and Garlic
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Adding Spinach
- Stir in the thawed spinach and cook for about 2 minutes to heat through.
Making the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and nutmeg (if using). Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Return the cooked chicken and penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water.
Serving
- Plate the Chicken Spinach Penne immediately, garnished with more Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Using high-quality ingredients can elevate this dish, like fresh Parmesan and organic chicken. For best results, allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking, and make sure to squeeze the spinach dry thoroughly.