Name: Creamy Chicken Spinach Penne
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 1 lb penne pasta; Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Chicken Spinach Penne is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary embrace, offering both profound comfort and impressive nutritional value in one delightful bowl. I’ve always found something truly magical about how simple ingredients can come together to create such a memorable dining experience. While penne pasta itself boasts roots deep within Italian tradition, symbolizing the everyday artistry of Mediterranean cooking, this particular combination has become a modern classic, beloved in kitchens worldwide for its harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

What makes Chicken Spinach Penne an enduring favorite? For starters, there’s the incredibly satisfying bite of perfectly cooked penne, cradling a rich, often creamy, or bright tomato-based sauce. Then, you have the succulent pieces of chicken, providing a robust protein punch, beautifully complemented by the vibrant, earthy notes of fresh spinach. It’s a dish that masterfully balances heartiness with lightness, making it ideal for a brisk weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend gathering. People adore it not only for its incredible taste—the savory chicken, the delicate spinach, and the comforting pasta—but also for its remarkable convenience. It’s a complete meal that comes together relatively quickly, proving that gourmet flavors don’t always demand hours in the kitchen. I am so excited to share my go-to recipe for this beloved dish with you!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for cooking
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons salt, for pasta water

For the Sauce and Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and roughly chopped (reserve 1 tablespoon of the oil if desired for sautéing)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 10-12 ounces fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and dried
- 1.5 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Prep Work for Your Chicken Spinach Penne Journey

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting your chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps ensure a beautiful sear. Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure every piece is evenly coated. Set this aside to marinate for at least 10-15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients; this allows the flavors to truly penetrate the chicken, making your Chicken Spinach Penne incredibly flavorful from the start.
Chop Your Aromatics: Peel and finely dice the yellow onion. Mincing the garlic finely is also key; you want it to melt into the sauce, not stand out in large chunks. If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drain them well and give them a rough chop. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready will make the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable.

Get Your Pasta Water Ready: Fill a large pot with at least 4-5 quarts of water. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to the water. Don’t skip the salt! This is your only chance to season the pasta itself, ensuring it’s flavorful and not bland. Place the pot over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. We’ll add the penne once we’ve started cooking the chicken.

Searing the Chicken to Perfection

Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or the reserved sun-dried tomato oil) in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to do this in two batches to achieve a good sear. Crowding the pan will steam the chicken instead of searing it, which is not what we want for tender, flavorful chicken. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms on one side.
Finish Cooking the Chicken: Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through and nicely browned on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside. We’ll add it back to the sauce later to keep it juicy and prevent it from drying out. Leave any delicious browned bits and drippings in the pan – these are flavor gold for our sauce!

Building the Flavorful Sauce Base

Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. You’ll notice the pan starting to deglaze itself with the moisture from the onions, incorporating those delicious chicken bits into your sauce base.
Add Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Red Pepper Flakes: Push the onions to one side and add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the delicate flavor profile of your Chicken Spinach Penne. The aroma filling your kitchen right now will be absolutely delightful.
Deglaze with Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any remaining browned bits. This is a critical step for maximizing flavor. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly, by about a quarter, for 3-5 minutes. This concentrates the flavors and creates a wonderful foundation for our creamy sauce.

Add the Fresh Spinach: Add the washed and dried fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, if necessary. It might look like a mountain, but it will wilt down dramatically. Stir until all the spinach has completely wilted and integrated into the sauce, which usually takes only 2-3 minutes. The vibrant green of the spinach will add both color and essential nutrients to our dish.

Cooking the Penne and Combining for Your Chicken Spinach Penne

Cook the Penne Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, add the penne pasta to your pot of boiling, salted water. Cook according to package directions until it’s al dente – that is, tender but still with a slight bite. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, especially since it will finish cooking in the sauce. Before draining, reserve about 1 to 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water. This “liquid gold” is a secret weapon for achieving a silky, emulsified sauce.
Create the Creamy Base: Reduce the heat under the skillet to low. Stir in the heavy cream and the tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt and the cream to warm through, stirring gently. The sauce will start to thicken slightly and take on a rich, velvety texture.

Incorporate Parmesan Cheese and Season: Add the ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, making the sauce even more luxurious and savory. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember, the pasta water and cheese will also add saltiness, so taste before adding too much.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Then, using tongs, transfer the al dente penne pasta directly from the pot into the skillet with the sauce and chicken. You can also drain it in a colander, but transferring directly can bring a little extra starchy water, which is a bonus.
Toss and Adjust Consistency: Toss everything together gently until the pasta, chicken, and spinach are thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a quarter cup at a time, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. The starches in the pasta water will help the sauce cling beautifully to every piece of penne, creating a cohesive and satisfying Chicken Spinach Penne.

Final Touches and Serve: Serve your delicious Chicken Spinach Penne immediately in warm bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, allowing the creamy sauce and tender chicken to shine. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of that incredible sauce. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve reached the delicious culmination of our culinary journey. I truly believe that this recipe for Chicken Spinach Penne isn’t just another dish; it’s a vibrant, comforting, and remarkably versatile meal that absolutely deserves a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. What makes it a must-try, you ask? Well, for starters, it effortlessly marries the succulent tenderness of perfectly cooked chicken with the fresh, slightly earthy notes of spinach, all enveloped in a creamy, savory sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of al dente penne. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that manages to feel both indulgent and wholesome at the same time.

I crafted this recipe with the modern home cook in mind – someone who appreciates gourmet flavors but doesn’t have endless hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that can rescue a busy weeknight, impress a spontaneous dinner guest, or simply provide a deeply satisfying lunch the next day. The preparation is straightforward, the ingredients are accessible, and the payoff is simply immense. You’re not just making a meal; you’re creating an experience, a moment of warmth and delight that can be shared with loved ones or savored in peaceful solitude. The balance of protein, fresh vegetables, and satisfying pasta makes it a complete meal that nourishes both body and soul, leaving you feeling content and energized without that heavy, sluggish feeling that some richer dishes can impart.

Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions

While this Chicken Spinach Penne is a star in its own right, a few simple additions can elevate your dining experience even further. I love serving it alongside a crisp, green salad dressed with a bright lemon vinaigrette – the acidity cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully. A basket of warm, crusty garlic bread or a simple artisan baguette is also a non-negotiable in my household; it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce. For a touch of sophistication, consider pairing it with a light-bodied white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc, which complement the chicken and spinach without overpowering them. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of red pepper flakes right before serving, if you enjoy a little kick!

Unleash Your Creativity: Variations to Try

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Once you master the basic technique, feel free to get creative and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to spark your imagination:

Protein Swaps: Instead of chicken, try sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist, or even browned Italian sausage for a heartier flavor. For a vegetarian option, robust chickpeas or cannellini beans work wonderfully.
Veggie Boosts: Don’t limit yourself to just spinach! Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained), sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even blanched broccoli florets can be fantastic additions. Kale or Swiss chard can also stand in for spinach if you’re looking for a different leafy green.
Pasta Alternatives: While penne is excellent, this sauce would be equally delightful with rigatoni, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), orecchiette, or even a long pasta like fettuccine. For a healthier option, try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.

Sauce Enhancements: Want a richer sauce? Add a touch more cream or a spoonful of cream cheese. For a lighter touch, use more chicken broth and less cream, or even a splash of milk. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten up the entire dish, while a pinch of nutmeg can add a subtle, warming complexity.
Cheese Play: Beyond Parmesan, consider stirring in some shredded mozzarella for an extra gooey texture, or a crumble of feta for a salty tang. A creamy goat cheese could also add a unique twist.

Each of these variations offers a new dimension, allowing you to tailor the dish to your specific preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment; that’s where some of the most exciting culinary discoveries are made!

Now, it’s your turn to experience the magic of this dish. I genuinely hope you feel inspired to head into your kitchen and give this recipe a try. It’s designed to be approachable and rewarding, promising big flavors with minimal fuss. Once you’ve whipped up your own batch of this incredible pasta, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Did you stick to the original recipe, or did you put your own unique spin on it? What were your favorite parts? Please, don’t be shy – share your cooking adventures, your successes, and even your clever variations in the comments section below. Your insights and experiences not only bring me immense joy but also help inspire other home cooks in our wonderful community. And if you share your culinary creations on social media, be sure to tag me; I’d be thrilled to see your beautiful dishes!

Thank you for joining me on this delicious journey. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with wonderful aromas and even better memories!