Easy Spinach Chicken Pasta

$- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried) - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Gathering the right ingredients makes cooking fun and easy. The penne pasta gives a nice bite. Chicken adds protein, making the dish filling. Fresh spinach not only adds color but also boosts nutrition. Garlic brings a wonderful aroma and flavor. Olive oil makes everything smooth and rich. Italian seasoning adds a tasty blend of herbs. Heavy cream gives creaminess to your sauce. Parmesan cheese gives a salty kick. Finally, salt and pepper let you adjust the flavor to your liking. - Cooking pot - Frying pan - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife - Cutting board Having the right tools is key for success. A cooking pot helps boil the pasta. A frying pan is great for cooking the chicken and sauce. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you get the right amounts. A knife and cutting board make chopping easy and safe. These tools will help you create a tasty meal with ease. - Calories: 550 per serving - Fat: 30g - Protein: 35g - Carbohydrates: 45g - Dietary Fiber: 3g This dish is hearty and satisfying. Each serving packs a good amount of calories and protein. The fat comes mostly from the cream and cheese, making it rich. Carbohydrates from the pasta give you energy. Plus, the spinach adds a little fiber to help digestion. Overall, this meal is balanced and full of flavor, perfect for any night. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water bubbles, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta but keep a bit of the water. You might need it later to adjust the sauce. In the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 diced chicken breasts to the pot. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. After cooking the chicken, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. Stir it constantly until it smells good and turns slightly golden. Be careful not to let it burn. Then, add 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach to the mix. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The spinach will wilt and add great color to your dish. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring now and then. This helps thicken the sauce and coat the chicken and spinach. Once it reaches your desired thickness, add the drained penne pasta and ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. To adjust the thickness of your sauce, start with the heavy cream. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. This helps the cream reduce. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will loosen it up nicely. For flavor, taste as you go. You can add more salt, pepper, or even extra Italian seasoning. Each adjustment can bring out new layers of taste. Presentation matters! To serve like a pro, use shallow pasta bowls. This allows the sauce to shine. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top. A drizzle of olive oil can make your dish look fancy. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color. This simple touch adds freshness and a nice aroma. What to serve with your pasta? A crisp green salad pairs well. Try a mix of arugula, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. For a wine option, a light white wine works best. A Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc can enhance your meal. Remember, the right sides and drinks can elevate your pasta experience. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Try shrimp, turkey, or tofu instead of chicken. Shrimp adds a nice seafood taste and cooks quickly. Turkey gives you a leaner option, and tofu is great for a plant-based meal. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. Each protein brings its unique flavor to the creamy sauce. If you need gluten-free or dairy-free options, this recipe is still for you. Use gluten-free penne pasta to keep it light and tasty. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk that you enjoy. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy taste without dairy. These swaps keep the dish delicious and friendly for your dietary needs. You can add extra flavors to make this dish pop. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy taste. Sauté some mushrooms for a meaty texture and earthy flavor. If you like heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes. These ingredients can turn your Easy Spinach Chicken Pasta into something special. You can mix and match according to your taste. Each variation gives a new twist to the same base recipe. You can keep leftover spinach chicken pasta in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure to let it cool first before sealing. When you want to eat it, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to save some pasta for later, freezing works well. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of milk or cream to keep it creamy. Don't let that extra pasta go to waste! You can use it in many fun ways. Try adding it to a salad for a quick lunch. Or mix it into a soup for extra flavor. You can even make a pasta bake by adding some cheese and baking it until bubbly. These ideas make your leftovers exciting! You can easily prepare components in advance. Cook the penne pasta and store it in the fridge. You can also sauté the chicken and mix in the garlic and spinach. Store these in a separate container. When you’re ready to eat, just heat them up. Add the cream and cheese, then toss in the pasta. This saves time during busy weeknights. If you want a lighter creaminess, use half-and-half or whole milk. You can also try Greek yogurt for a healthy twist. Just mix it with a little pasta water to make it creamy. These options still give a nice texture without the extra calories of heavy cream. Using fresh spinach has great benefits. Fresh spinach has a vibrant color and a brighter taste. It cooks down quickly, adding flavor and nutrients. If you use frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well. This ensures your dish won’t be watery. Both options are tasty, but fresh really shines in this recipe. This blog post covered a delicious creamy penne pasta dish. We explored key ingredients, recommended tools, and detailed nutritional information. I provided step-by-step instructions for cooking, sautéing, and creating a rich sauce. You learned tips for perfecting flavor and presentation, along with variations for different diets. As you enjoy this dish, remember the many ways to customize it. Use leftovers creatively, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors. With practice, you’ll impress friends and family at meals. Enjoy cooking!$

Indulge in this delicious creamy spinach chicken pasta that’s quick and easy to make! With tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners. In just 30 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that will impress everyone at the table. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner plans today!

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Ingredients

8 oz (225g) penne pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried)

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook as per the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Sauté the Chicken: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken to the pot. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and thoroughly cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Add Garlic: Once the chicken is done, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté it for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden—be careful not to let it burn.

Incorporate the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the chicken and garlic mixture. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted down, adding vibrant color and flavor to the dish.

Create the Sauce: Gently pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the sauce thicken slightly and coat the chicken and spinach beautifully.

Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the drained penne pasta to the creamy sauce, followed by the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together well to ensure the pasta is fully coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Taste and Adjust: Taste your creamy chicken pasta and feel free to add more salt and pepper according to your preference.

Serve: Dish out your creamy spinach chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish and an extra touch of vibrant color.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow pasta bowls, adding a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil over the top for a restaurant-style flourish.