This Chicken Spinach Penne is a comforting, creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner. Easy to make, full of flavor, and a little bit decadent—this dish will quickly become a family favorite!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

• 1 lb penne pasta

• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
   In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add Spinach:
   Stir in thawed spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

5. Make the Sauce:
   Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg (if using).

6. Combine:
   Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water.

7. Serve:
   Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.

Nutrients

• Calories: 450 kcal (per serving)

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 22g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sugar: 3g

• Cholesterol: 90mg

• Sodium: 650mg

Why You’ll Love Chicken Spinach Penne

There are many reasons why the Chicken Spinach Penne will quickly become one of your go-to meals. It is fast and easy to make, relying on common pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. With minimal prep and straightforward cooking techniques, you can have a piping hot, flavorful pasta dish on the table in about 30 minutes.

The creamy Parmesan sauce is another highlight. Rich without being overly heavy, it clings to every piece of pasta and chicken, creating a luscious bite every time. The spinach adds not only a beautiful pop of color but also a nutritional boost, making the meal feel balanced and wholesome.

Additionally, this recipe is extremely flexible. You can substitute other greens like kale or arugula, use different types of pasta, or even switch the protein if desired. It’s a versatile formula that encourages creativity while guaranteeing delicious results.

Health Benefits of Chicken Spinach Penne

While this dish leans into creamy comfort, it still offers some notable nutritional benefits. Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, iron, and fiber, supporting healthy vision, strong bones, and a robust digestive system.

Using a modest amount of heavy cream and cheese ensures the sauce remains rich without being overwhelmingly fatty. You can also lighten it up by swapping the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less thick. By controlling the amount of added salt and boosting flavor with fresh ingredients like garlic and onions, this meal manages to feel indulgent while still being reasonably balanced.

Penne pasta provides a good source of carbohydrates, which are the body’s primary fuel source. For added fiber and nutrients, you could even opt for whole wheat penne or a legume-based alternative.

Customizing Your Chicken Spinach Penne

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how easy it is to adapt to your preferences or dietary needs. If you want to add more vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers would be delicious additions. If you are looking to add a bit more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce can provide a gentle kick.

For those seeking a lighter dish, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream and supplement it with a little extra chicken broth. Another option is to use light cream cheese to create a creamy texture with fewer calories. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut milk can replace the cream, and nutritional yeast can stand in for Parmesan to maintain a cheesy flavor.

Pasta choices can also vary. Short, sturdy shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle work beautifully in place of penne. Gluten-free pasta can be used for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

The Chicken Spinach Penne makes excellent leftovers, another reason it’s perfect for busy households. The flavors deepen as they sit, and the sauce continues to coat the pasta beautifully even after reheating. For meal prep, simply divide the finished pasta into individual airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When reheating, you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce, restoring it to its original creamy consistency. Whether packed for a work lunch or reheated for a quick dinner, it remains just as satisfying and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Although the Chicken Spinach Penne stands well on its own, you can elevate the meal even further with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or a warm baguette would be perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate.

For an even more complete Italian-inspired dinner, consider serving it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini. A glass of chilled white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would complement the creamy richness of the dish beautifully.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Spinach Penne

Season every layer of the dish. Well-seasoned chicken and properly salted pasta water make a huge difference in the final flavor.

Don’t overcook the pasta. Cooking it to al dente ensures it will have the perfect bite and won’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.

Thaw and squeeze the spinach thoroughly. Removing excess moisture is key to preventing the sauce from becoming watery.

Save some pasta water. Adding a splash of the starchy water at the end can help loosen the sauce and make it silky without diluting the flavor.

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into sauces.

Nutritional Value Overview

Each serving of Chicken Spinach Penne provides around 450 calories, making it a satisfying yet reasonable option for dinner. With 30 grams of protein per serving, it’s excellent for supporting muscle health and staying full longer. The fat content, at 22 grams, is balanced with both saturated and unsaturated fats, while the 40 grams of carbohydrates offer energy for the body. The dish also delivers 4 grams of fiber, 3 grams of sugar, and essential minerals like calcium and potassium.

Conclusion

The Chicken Spinach Penne is the perfect combination of simplicity, comfort, and flavor. It captures the essence of a home-cooked meal—nourishing, satisfying, and filled with love—while offering enough elegance to serve to guests. Every forkful is a celebration of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach, making it a dish that appeals to kids and adults alike.

Its versatility means you can adapt it easily based on what you have on hand, and its quick preparation time ensures it’s realistic for even your busiest nights. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal after work, planning a cozy weekend dinner, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish checks all the boxes. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients, the Chicken Spinach Penne proves that sometimes the simplest meals are the most satisfying. Give it a try once, and it just might become a beloved classic in your kitchen repertoire.