Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta
Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. This delightful recipe features tender chicken enveloped in a luscious, velvety sauce, clinging to perfectly cooked penne pasta. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and simple preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic.
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes).
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chicken pieces until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic towards the end.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add spinach and season with salt and pepper; cook until spinach wilts.
- Drain the penne and combine it with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating mushrooms or bell peppers. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce or use gluten-free penne for dietary needs.