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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for the chicken.
- Sauté chicken until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, developing rich caramelized exterior. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Introduce minced garlic to the pan, stirring quickly to prevent burning and activate its aromatic qualities.
- Incorporate thawed spinach, gently warming and integrating it into the developing flavor profile.
- Create a creamy sauce by pouring in chicken broth and heavy cream. Allow mixture to gently simmer and slightly reduce, concentrating its flavors.
- Enhance the sauce with grated Parmesan cheese and a delicate whisper of nutmeg, stirring until smoothly integrated.
- Reunite cooked pasta and chicken with the luxurious sauce, carefully tossing to ensure complete coating. Adjust consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
- 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