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Chicken Spinach Penne

Creamy Chicken Spinach Penne for a Cozy Dinner Night

This Creamy Chicken Spinach Penne is a comforting weeknight dinner that's quick, easy, and customizable.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Penne Pasta Feel free to switch to rotini or farfalle for a fun twist.
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Breast Turkey or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Coconut cream serves as a fantastic dairy-free alternative.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast can replace it for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Freshly minced or powdered enhances the flavor.
For the Spinach
  • 4 cups Fresh Spinach Sauté for a few extra minutes if you like it more wilted.
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Feel free to opt for a cooking spray.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Adjust based on your dietary preferences.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • colander
  • spoon
  • tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
  2. Sauté Chicken: In a spacious skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast to the pan, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink inside.
  3. Add Garlic and Spinach: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, allowing them to sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add 4 cups of fresh spinach, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until it's wilted.
  4. Make the Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine everything smoothly. Let the mixture simmer over low heat for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, using tongs to gently toss everything together.
  6. Finish with Cheese: Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it's melted and creamy throughout the dish.
  7. Serve Hot: Plate the creamy Chicken Spinach Penne in generous servings and serve immediately while hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 6000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite pasta types or additional veggies. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.

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