The Heart of the Matter: Ingredients
What You’ll Need:
- Penne Pasta: 1 pound
- Chicken Breast: 1.5 pounds, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Fresh Spinach: 10 ounces, roughly chopped
- Heavy Cream: 1.5 cups
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, plus more for serving
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Red Pepper Flakes: Pinch (optional, for a little heat)
- Dried Italian Herbs: 1 teaspoon
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping is Key:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold for creating a creamy sauce!
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Making Magic in the Pan:
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Create the Cream Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Incorporate the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the spinach and cream sauce. Toss to coat.
- Add the Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Season to Perfection: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to your liking.
Final Touches:
- Serve Immediately: Serve hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.
Unlock the Secrets to Perfect Creamy Chicken Spinach Penne
Let’s be honest, sometimes cream sauces can be tricky. They can be too thick, too thin, or even break! But don’t worry, I’m here to share my best tips and tricks to guarantee a perfect outcome every time you make this amazing Chicken Pasta Dishes.- The Right Roux: The roux (butter and flour) is the foundation of the cream sauce. Cooking the flour for just a minute is crucial to get rid of that raw flour taste and help thicken the sauce properly.
- Temperature Matters: Don’t boil the cream sauce aggressively. Simmering it gently allows it to thicken without curdling.
- Pasta Water is Your Friend: That starchy pasta water is a game-changer. It helps bind the sauce to the pasta and creates a beautiful, glossy finish. Add it gradually until you reach the perfect consistency.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach: Fresh spinach is my preference for this recipe, but frozen spinach can work in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the sauce.
- Chicken Options: While I usually use chicken breast, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Or, if you’re short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great too! Just shred it and add it to the sauce at the end.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the level of spice to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, but you can also use cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce.
Creative Twists and Variations
One of the things I love most about Penne Recipes is how versatile they are! Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes and preferences.- Add Some Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers would all be delicious additions to this dish.
- Cheese Please! Experiment with different types of cheese. Asiago, mozzarella, or even a little bit of goat cheese would add a unique flavor.
- Make it Lighter: To lighten up the dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten up the flavor.
- Bake it! Transform this into a baked dish. Toss everything together, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and mozzarella, and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Making it a Meal: What to Serve Alongside
This Creamy Chicken Spinach Penne is a complete meal in itself, but it’s always nice to have a side dish or two to round things out.- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts would be a healthy and flavorful addition.
Spinach: More Than Just a Green Leaf
Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Incorporating Spinach Recipes into your diet is a great way to boost your overall health. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can add it to salads, smoothies, soups, and, of course, pasta dishes like this one. Consider using spinach as a filling for Spinach Stuffed Chicken, a delightful and healthy dinner option.Other Delicious Chicken Pasta Dishes to Try
If you’re a fan of Chicken Pasta Recipes, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few other recipes that I know you’ll love:- For a cheesy delight, try Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. It’s incredibly easy and satisfying.
- If you’re craving something extra creamy, the Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Ultimate is a must-try. It’s pure comfort food!
- The Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a family favorite. It’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
- For a burst of fresh flavors, check out the Spinach Tomato Pasta Irresistible. It’s light, healthy, and packed with flavor.
- When the weather turns chilly, warm up with a bowl of Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup. It’s like lasagna in soup form!
- And don’t forget about the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
Leftovers and Storage: Keeping the Creaminess Alive
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to help rehydrate the sauce and prevent it from drying out. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.Final Thoughts: Your Kitchen Adventure Awaits
This Creamy Chicken Spinach Penne recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s about gathering around the table with loved ones and sharing a delicious, home-cooked meal that everyone will enjoy. So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create some kitchen magic! I know you’ll absolutely love this dish, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out. Happy cooking!Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the sauce.
What can I do if the cream sauce becomes too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. The starchy water helps thin the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
Besides chicken breast, what other protein options work well in this recipe?
You can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. Just shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the sauce at the end.
How should I store and reheat leftovers of the Creamy Chicken Spinach Penne?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to help rehydrate the sauce and prevent it from drying out. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
Creamy Chicken Spinach Penne Ultimate
This Creamy Chicken Spinach Penne recipe delivers a comforting and elegant restaurant-worthy meal right in your kitchen. Perfectly cooked penne is coated in a velvety cream sauce with tender chicken and vibrant spinach, creating a satisfying and effortless dish.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the spinach and cream sauce. Toss to coat.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to your liking.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
For best results, use fresh spinach. Frozen spinach can be used, but thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water. To lighten the dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or chicken broth.
