Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Indulge in a creamy, savory pasta dish that brings classic Italian flavors right to your table. This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan sauce over perfectly cooked penne pasta. With just a few simple steps, you can create a comforting meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends. Serve it with garlic bread or a Caesar salad for a full Italian-inspired experience that’s bound to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne
This pasta dish is the ultimate combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The Parmesan and heavy cream create a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: With tender chicken, fresh spinach, and the option of Italian seasoning, each ingredient adds its own burst of flavor.
- Quick and Easy to Make: You’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable Ingredients: Adjust the seasoning, add extra veggies, or swap the chicken for your protein of choice.
Why This Recipe Works
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne recipe combines simple ingredients in a way that maximizes flavor and texture. By cooking the chicken first and then using the same skillet for the sauce, you retain all the delicious flavors from the chicken, which infuse the creamy sauce. The Parmesan cheese adds a nutty richness, while the fresh spinach gives a burst of color and a nutritious touch. Together, these ingredients create a balanced, flavorful dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.
Ingredients
To make this deliciously creamy pasta dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta: Penne’s tubular shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces: Provides a tender, protein-packed addition to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For cooking the chicken and garlic.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: Creates the base for the creamy sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor.
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves: For color, freshness, and added nutrition.
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional): Adds a subtle herbal note to the dish.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne
Follow these easy steps to prepare a comforting, Italian-inspired pasta meal in no time:
1. Cook the Pasta
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set the pasta aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until golden and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will add a bitter taste to the sauce.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Then, add ½ cup of Parmesan cheese and the optional Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
5. Add Spinach
Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet, allowing them to wilt into the sauce for about 1-2 minutes. This adds color and freshness to the dish.
6. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve and Garnish
Serve the creamy chicken penne warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor.
Chef’s Tips for the Best Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, Parmesan, and spinach make a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Deglaze for Extra Flavor: For a richer taste, deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken broth or white wine after cooking the chicken. This will add depth to your sauce.
- Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk. Alternatively, add more Parmesan for an even richer sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Complete your Italian-inspired meal with these side options:
- Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread complements the creamy pasta perfectly.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch and lightens up the meal.
- Italian White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with this creamy pasta dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving. Just add a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce.
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Absolutely! Try it with fettuccine, rigatoni, or any pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed.
Q: Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
A: Yes! Kale or arugula are great substitutes. Just be sure to let them cook down in the sauce to blend in with the flavors.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta, and make sure any other ingredients, like Parmesan, are labeled gluten-free if needed.
Q: How can I make this dish lighter?
A: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use a lighter cream alternative. You could also reduce the Parmesan slightly to lower the fat content.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can substitute the chicken with mushrooms or roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, for a delicious vegetarian version.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or coconut cream can be used as alternatives to heavy cream, although the flavor may vary slightly.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze the fully cooked pasta dish in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.
Q: Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?
A: Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes all work well in this dish and add more texture and flavor.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works well. Simply add it to the skillet with the sauce and pasta to warm through.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne is a delightful Italian-inspired dish that combines rich flavors with a creamy texture to create the perfect comfort meal. It’s a go-to recipe for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or any time you crave something cozy and satisfying. Simple yet packed with flavor, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a taste of Italy at home!
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Creamy Parmesan Chicken Penne
Description
A creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan sauce over penne pasta. Perfect for a cozy dinner that’s quick to prepare and full of delicious Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken.
6. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning (if using), stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
7. Add spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt in the sauce, about 1–2 minutes.
8. Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
9. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
**Tip:** Pair with a side of garlic bread or a fresh Caesar salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
**Chef’s Note:** For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken broth or white wine (optional) after cooking the chicken.