Creamy Chicken Spinach Penne Recipe: A Comforting Dinner Joy

Comfort meets nutrition in this hearty chicken spinach penne that promises to delight your taste buds.

Packed with vibrant green leaves and tender protein, our recipe transforms a simple pasta dish into a wholesome meal.

Weeknight dinners demand quick yet satisfying solutions, and this combination delivers precisely that.

Mediterranean influences shine through with each perfectly seasoned bite, creating a balance of flavors.

Crisp spinach leaves intertwine with succulent chicken pieces, making every forkful an exciting culinary adventure.

Nutrition-conscious individuals will appreciate the protein-rich ingredients and minimal preparation time.

When you crave something both nourishing and delicious, this chicken spinach penne stands ready to become your new favorite go-to recipe.

Chicken Spinach Penne Ingredient Lineup

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce perfectly, al dente texture essential for best results.

• Chicken Pieces: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish, boneless and skinless recommended.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds deep flavor profile, fresh ingredients preferred for best taste.
• Spinach: Nutritious green vegetable that adds color and earthy flavor, frozen spinach works well when squeezed dry.

• Olive Oil: Provides cooking fat and subtle flavor, extra virgin recommended.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance overall taste, freshly ground black pepper preferred.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds depth to the sauce, low-sodium option suggested.
• Heavy Cream: Creates rich and smooth sauce texture, full-fat version recommended.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds tangy, salty flavor and helps thicken sauce, freshly grated preferred.
• Nutmeg: Optional spice that provides warm, subtle background note, freshly grated recommended.

Chicken Spinach Penne Preparation Guide

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Get a large pot of water bubbling.

Toss in your penne pasta and cook it until it’s perfectly tender but still has a little bite.

Drain the pasta, but keep a small cup of the starchy water on the side – it’ll come in handy later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Grab a big skillet and warm up some olive oil.

Season your chicken pieces with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Slide the chicken into the hot pan and cook until it’s beautifully golden and fully cooked through.

Once done, scoop out the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, toss in your chopped onion.

Let it dance around until it becomes soft and translucent.

Next, add the minced garlic and let it release its fragrant magic for about a minute.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

Introduce the thawed spinach to the skillet.

Give it a quick stir and let it warm up for a minute or two.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.

Let the mixture simmer and bubble, watching it thicken up nicely.

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and a whisper of nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Reunite the cooked pasta and chicken with the creamy spinach sauce.

Toss everything together until well-coated.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a bit of that reserved pasta water to loosen things up.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your creation immediately.

Dust with an extra shower of Parmesan cheese.

Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort!

Penne Pasta Tips With Chicken & Spinach

• Choose high-quality penne pasta and cook it exactly al dente for the best texture, ensuring it's not too soft or hard.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning and use high heat to create a golden-brown crust, locking in maximum flavor and moisture.
• Thoroughly squeeze out excess water from thawed spinach to prevent a watery sauce and maintain the dish's rich, creamy consistency.
• Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce becomes too thick, creating a silky, clingy coating that perfectly embraces the pasta and chicken.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly into the sauce for a more intense, authentic flavor compared to pre-grated alternatives.

Reheating Chicken Spinach Penne Without Overcooking

• Transfer leftover chicken spinach penne to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying, cover with microwave-safe lid, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat, add splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture, stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Seal completely cooled pasta in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, remove excess air, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Side Ideas For Spinach Penne

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the creamy, rich chicken and spinach penne with a refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The light, zesty notes will cut through the dish's richness and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a bright side dish with a lemony arugula salad topped with shaved Parmesan. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will balance the creamy pasta and add a fresh contrast.
• Match with Garlic Herb Bread: Accompany the penne with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. The herb-infused bread will provide a crunchy texture and complement the dish's savory elements.
• Choose a Light Red Wine: If you prefer red, opt for a light-bodied Pinot Noir. Its subtle tannins and fruity undertones will harmonize beautifully with the chicken and creamy sauce without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Spinach Penne with Chicken Twists

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Swap: Replace penne pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains the dish's creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Version: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free option that's equally rich and satisfying.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Swap chicken with roasted chickpeas or cubed extra-firm tofu, seasoned with similar spices to maintain the protein content and add a plant-based twist to the recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes to transform the dish into a Mediterranean-inspired meal with bright, fresh flavors and a colorful presentation.

FAQs

• Why use Parmesan cheese in this recipe?

Parmesan adds a rich, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. Its nutty undertones complement the chicken and creamy sauce perfectly, creating a more complex and satisfying meal.

• Is it necessary to squeeze the spinach dry?

Yes, removing excess moisture from spinach prevents the sauce from becoming watery and ensures a creamy, consistent texture. This step helps the spinach integrate better with the other ingredients.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

While penne works best due to its shape that holds sauce well, you can substitute with similar tube-shaped pastas like rigatoni or ziti. Just ensure the pasta has ridges to catch the creamy sauce.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cut into the thickest piece to check that the meat is white throughout with no pink areas and juices run clear.

Chicken Spinach Penne That’s Creamy And Comforting

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this delicious chicken spinach penne in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families looking for a hassle-free dinner solution.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken and vitamins from spinach, this dish delivers a balanced meal that keeps you satisfied and energized without complicated ingredients.
• Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist: Enjoy a creamy, indulgent pasta that doesn't compromise on nutrition, blending rich flavors with wholesome ingredients for a guilt-free comfort meal.
• Versatile One-Pan Wonder: Prepare everything in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience for home cooks who want delicious meals without extensive kitchen work.

Chicken Spinach Penne Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken spinach penne delivers Italian-inspired comfort with a perfect balance of tender chicken, wilted spinach, and al dente pasta. Rich parmesan sauce and aromatic herbs make this dish a delightful weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta and Base:

• 1 lb (454 g) penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Liquid and Dairy Components:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare penne pasta in a large pot of salted water, cooking until perfectly tender with a slight bite. Drain and preserve a small amount of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
3. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for the chicken.
4. Sauté chicken until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, developing rich caramelized exterior. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
5. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, releasing their natural sweetness.
6. Introduce minced garlic to the pan, stirring quickly to prevent burning and activate its aromatic qualities.
7. Incorporate thawed spinach, gently warming and integrating it into the developing flavor profile.
8. Create a creamy sauce by pouring in chicken broth and heavy cream. Allow mixture to gently simmer and slightly reduce, concentrating its flavors.
9. Enhance the sauce with grated Parmesan cheese and a delicate whisper of nutmeg, stirring until smoothly integrated.
10. Reunite cooked pasta and chicken with the luxurious sauce, carefully tossing to ensure complete coating. Adjust consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
11. Plate immediately, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan for a final touch of richness.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every noodle without drying out.
• Chicken Perfection: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Spinach Smart Move: Squeeze spinach thoroughly to remove excess moisture, preventing a watery sauce and maintaining the dish’s rich consistency.
• Creamy Hack: For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 72 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg