Name: Chicken Penne Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces penne pasta (cooked according to package instructions); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; dash freshly ground black pepper; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 small yellow onion (diced); 1 tablespoon all purpose flour; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup half and half; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (plus more for topping); 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; dash freshly ground black pepper; 6 ounces fresh baby spinach (roughly 1 cup); 2 vine-ripened tomatoes (diced); fresh parsley (for topping)

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Chicken Penne Pasta is a delightful dish that perfectly balances tender chicken, creamy sauce, and hearty penne. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special for guests, this recipe has it all. The flavors mingle beautifully as the chicken absorbs the aromatic Italian seasoning and garlic, while the fresh spinach and ripe tomatoes add color and vibrancy. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of textures—from the tenderness of the chicken to the heartiness of the pasta.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken Penne Pasta
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chicken Penne Pasta

I first fell in love with Chicken Penne Pasta on a casual Friday night, when I needed something comforting yet easy to whip up. It quickly became a staple in my home. This recipe is not only quick to prepare, but it’s also easily adaptable, allowing for variations based on what you have on hand. As soon as you pull it off the stove, you’ll be met with a rich, flavorful aroma that will have everyone gathering around the table. I invite you to try this comforting delight—it may just become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, savory, and indulgent, with hints of garlic and Italian herbs.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Bright colors from tomatoes and spinach make it visually appetizing.
Flexible Serving: Great for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjustable for gluten-free pasta or dairy-free alternatives.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 ounces penne pasta: Use your favorite brand; freshly cooked al dente keeps the dish vibrant.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: For a clean taste; you’ll need a total of 3 tablespoons.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs enhances the dish’s flavor; use 1½ tablespoons total.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Bring out all the flavors; table salt can be used in the same amount.
Dash freshly ground black pepper: A little kick to offset the creaminess.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: This tender protein makes the dish hearty; pound thin for even cooking.
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing the chicken to perfection.
2 cloves garlic: Minced for aromatic depth.
1 small yellow onion: Diced to add sweetness and flavor.
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: For thickening the creamy sauce.
1 cup chicken broth: Adds richness; homemade or store-bought works well.
1 cup half and half: Provides creaminess; can substitute with milk or a non-dairy option.
½ cup grated Parmesan: A salty, nutty finish; add more for topping if desired.
½ tablespoon Italian seasoning: Extra herbs to complement the sauce.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: For seasoning the sauce; adjust as needed.
Dash freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of spice to the final dish.
6 ounces fresh baby spinach: A nutritious addition; about 1 cup.
2 vine-ripened tomatoes: Diced for freshness and color.
Fresh parsley: For a flavorful and fragrant garnish.

How to Make Chicken Penne Pasta

Cook the Penne: Start by cooking 8 ounces of penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and a dash of black pepper. Rub this mixture on 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts, ensuring even coverage.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest.
Add Aromatics: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Lower the heat to medium, then sauté 1 diced small yellow onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Prepare the Sauce: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring to combine. Gradually pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Then add 1 cup of half-and-half, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and another dash of black pepper. Allow to boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
Combine Everything: Stir in 6 ounces of fresh baby spinach and 2 diced vine-ripened tomatoes into the sauce. Chop the rested chicken and return it to the skillet.
Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything to ensure the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Heat through for an additional 2 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Serve immediately, topped with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a finishing touch.

Storing & Reheating

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze Chicken Penne Pasta, place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra broth to maintain creaminess—be careful not to overcook, as the texture may change.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure the chicken is pounded evenly to avoid uneven cooking.
Don’t skip sautéing the onion and garlic, as this step builds great flavor.
If you prefer a little spice, add red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage.
If using gluten-free penne, adjust cooking time as necessary; follow package instructions for best results.
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to lighten it up.
For a richer sauce, add an extra splash of half-and-half or a bit of cream before serving.

Chicken Penne Pasta is a fantastic recipe that beautifully brings together rich flavors and textures, making it a favorite in my kitchen. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also flexible enough to handle your personal touch in ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting friends, this creamy delight will surely impress everyone around the table. So, grab your ingredients and start cooking; you won’t regret surrendering to its comforting embrace!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Chicken Penne Pasta ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just ensure that you reheat it slowly so the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t separate.

What can I substitute for half-and-half?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can mix equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. Alternatively, unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk can provide a dairy-free option, though the flavor will vary slightly.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free penne pasta. The cooking time and texture may differ, so be sure to follow the instructions on the package closely.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to add in your favorites, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or even peas. Just sauté them along with the onion and garlic, and they’ll enhance the dish nicely.

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Chicken Penne Pasta

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

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Description

This Chicken Penne Pasta is a delightful dish that offers irresistible flavor with simple prep. Made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach, it’s perfect for a quick dinner or a comforting meal at home.

Ingredients

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8 ounces penne pasta (cooked according to package instructions)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
dash freshly ground black pepper
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small yellow onion (diced)
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup half and half
1/2 cup grated Parmesan (plus more for topping)
1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
dash freshly ground black pepper
6 ounces fresh baby spinach (roughly 1 cup)
2 vine-ripened tomatoes (diced)
fresh parsley (for topping)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Season the water with salt and ensure the pasta is drained while al dente.
Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and one tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes per side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to cool a bit before slicing.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing them until the onions become soft and translucent (about 5 to 7 minutes).
Whisk in the flour and slowly add the chicken broth, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom. Gradually add the half and half and bring to a simmer, cooking for 5 minutes over low heat until small bubbles appear consistently.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted. Add the remaining Italian seasoning and adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
Mix in the spinach, allowing it to wilt. Then, stir in the cooked penne and sliced chicken.
Top with additional Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, and fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the seasoning and add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
For a lighter version, substitute half of the half and half with low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative.