Description
A rich and creamy pasta dish with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious garlic parmesan sauce—ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
🍝 For the Pasta & Chicken:
- 300 g (10 oz) penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
🥛 For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
🥬 For the Spinach & Garnish:
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup (50 g) mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, then add to the skillet.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic for 2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring until the sauce thickens (3-5 minutes).
4. Combine Everything
- Add the spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and pasta, mixing well.
- (Optional) Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and let it melt for extra creaminess.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.
Notes
🌶️ Spicy Kick? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
🥓 More Flavor? Add crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms.
🥑 Lighter Option? Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
🍋 Zesty Twist? Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 20 min