Creamy Chicken Penne Recipe

Ultimate comfort food with our Creamy Chicken and Spinach Penne, a dish that seamlessly blends rich flavors and wholesome ingredients for a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Picture tender strips of golden-brown chicken, perfectly cooked al dente penne, and vibrant spinach, all enveloped in a luscious, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce.

This recipe is not just about cooking—it’s about creating a moment of joy and warmth at your dinner table. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing guests with a restaurant-quality dish, this easy-to-follow recipe promises a delightful culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dig into a bowl of pure comfort and flavor, and let each bite transport you to a world of creamy, savory perfection.

Ingredients you need

• Penne pasta: This is the main carbohydrate component of the dish, cooked until al dente and then combined with the sauce and other ingredients.
• Salt: Used to season the boiling water for the pasta and to season the chicken breasts.
• Spinach: Cooked halfway and then combined with the pasta, chicken, and sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
• Chicken breasts: Seasoned with salt and pepper, seared until golden brown, then sliced and added to the pasta dish.
• Pepper: Used to season the chicken breasts and the sauce.
• Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken breasts, providing a flavorful and crispy exterior.
• Butter: Used in the skillet to sauté the garlic, adding richness to the sauce.
• Garlic (minced): Sautéed in butter to add a fragrant and flavorful base to the sauce.
• Flour: Combined with butter and garlic to create a roux, which thickens the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Provides a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
• Left over Chicken broth (or reserved pasta water): Adds flavor and helps achieve the desired consistency for the sauce. The reserved pasta water is a good substitute because it contains starch that helps to thicken the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a savory, cheesy flavor to the sauce and helps to thicken it.

How to make Creamy Chicken Penne Recipe

1. Cook the pasta
   * Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
   * Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions (about 8-10 minutes).
   * Reserve 1/2 cup of the hot pasta water if using instead of chicken broth.
   * Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Spinach
   * In a separate pan, cook the spinach halfway and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken
   * Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
   * Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
   * Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it sizzles (about 1-2 minutes).
   * Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes per side.
   * Slice the chicken into 1/2-inch strips and transfer to a plate.
4. Make the Sauce
   * In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
   * Add flour and stir until it thickens into a paste, about 1 minute.
   * Gradually add heavy cream, chicken broth (or reserved pasta water), and Parmesan cheese.
   * Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
   * Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Everything
   Add the sliced chicken, spinach, and pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
   Toss everything together until well coated.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Storage

To store your finished Creamy Chicken and Spinach Penne for later, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. For short-term storage, refrigerate the dish for up to 3-4 days. For longer preservation, divide it into portions, place in freezer-safe containers or bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven, adding a splash of water, broth, or extra sauce to maintain its creamy texture.

Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

5.0 from 5 votes

These ingredients create a delicious and satisfying Creamy Chicken and Spinach Penne dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Course: MainCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium

Print

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

35

minutes

Ingredients

• 240 grams 240 chicken breast

• 3/4 teaspoon 3/4 salt (or to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon 1 vegetable oil

• 1/2 pound 1/2 penne pasta (2 cups)

• 2 tablespoons 2 butter

• 2 tablespoons 2 garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon 1 all-purpose flour

• 1 cup 1 heavy cream

• 1/2 cup 1/2 chicken broth (or reserved hot pasta water)

• 1/4 cup 1/4 Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Directions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package directions, about 8-10 minutes, until it is firm but not too soft. Save 1/2 cup of the hot pasta water in a bowl (if you want to use it instead of chicken broth). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

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• In a different pan, half cook the spinach and set it aside.
• Use a paper towel to dry the chicken breasts completely. Season them with salt and pepper.
• In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it sizzles, about 1-2 minutes.
• Add the chicken and cook until it is golden brown, about 6-8 minutes per side. Slice the chicken into 1/2-inch strips and transfer them to a plate.

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• In the same skillet, add butter and garlic and cook until the garlic smells good, about 1 minute. Add flour and stir until it thickens into a paste, about 1 minute.

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• Add the heavy cream, chicken broth (or the reserved hot pasta water), and Parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens, stirring occasionally.

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• Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the chicken, spinach, and pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat it well with the sauce.

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• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Equipment

• Non-stick PanCheck it out!

Notes

• For longer preservation, divide it into portions, place in freezer-safe containers or bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven, adding a splash of water, broth, or extra sauce to maintain its creamy texture.
• Double the recipe and portion it into individual servings. Store the extra portions in the freezer for quick and convenient meals later. Simply thaw and reheat whenever you need a delicious and satisfying meal.