Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne is a delicious and comforting weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and penne pasta in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. This Italian-American favorite is quick to prepare and perfect for busy evenings when you want a satisfying homemade meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add Cream and Broth: Reduce heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Spinach: Stir in the cooked penne pasta and fresh spinach. Cook briefly until the spinach wilts and the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sauté mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes along with the garlic.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to create a lighter sauce option.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
