Penne pasta, spinach, and chicken—three ingredients that effortlessly combine to create a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner. This classic dish is surprisingly versatile, easily adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Let's dive into the details and explore variations to elevate your pasta game!
What Makes This Chicken and Spinach Penne Recipe So Good?
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and deliciousness. The creamy sauce perfectly coats the penne pasta, while the spinach adds a vibrant green color and a boost of nutrients. The chicken provides a hearty protein source, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. The combination of textures—the tender chicken, the slightly al dente pasta, and the wilted spinach—is simply divine.
How to Make the Perfect Creamy Chicken and Spinach Penne
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, but here are some key tips to ensure a perfectly creamy and flavorful dish:
- Cook the pasta al dente: This ensures the pasta doesn't become mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, ensure you don't overcrowd the pan, as this can result in steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and adds a superior flavor compared to frozen.
- Season generously: Don't be shy with the salt and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings to your liking.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
What are Some Variations of Chicken and Spinach Penne?
This basic recipe is incredibly versatile, and here are a few delicious variations you can try:
Sun-Dried Tomato and Artichoke Chicken Penne: Add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes and quartered artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist.
Spicy Chicken and Spinach Penne: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Creamy Pesto Chicken and Spinach Penne: Replace the heavy cream with pesto for a vibrant and herbaceous sauce.
Lemon Chicken and Spinach Penne: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
This dish is best served immediately, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them with the cooked pasta just before serving.
What Sides Pair Well with Chicken and Spinach Penne?
This hearty pasta dish pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce. A light garlic bread would also be a perfect complement.
Is Chicken and Spinach Penne Healthy?
This recipe is a relatively healthy option, providing a good source of protein and nutrients from the chicken and spinach. However, the heavy cream does add some fat and calories. You could reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half or even a lighter milk alternative for a healthier option. Consider adding other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutritional value.
This recipe is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!
