Ingredients
– 8 ounces penne pasta
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups fresh spinach
– 1 cup heavy cream
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Creating Chicken Spinach Penne is simple if you follow these easy steps:
1. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Add Garlic: Once the chicken is done, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
4. Incorporate Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach, cooking until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Create Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir the mixture, letting it simmer for around 2-3 minutes.
6. Add Cheese: Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the creamy sauce and chicken mixture until well-coated.
8. Season to Taste: Adjust seasonings with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
9. Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and serve the Chicken Spinach Penne hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if you like.
Following these steps will lead you to a delicious dish that can satisfy anyone’s cravings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: Consider adding shrimp or diced ham for an alternative protein source that pairs well with the existing ingredients.