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

Scale

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.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 750
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 68g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 44g
Cholesterol: 125mg