Creamy Chicken Penne

$- 250g penne pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced - 1 cup heavy cream Penne pasta serves as a great base for this dish. It holds sauce well and adds a nice texture. Chicken breast is lean and absorbs flavors beautifully. Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich and creamy taste. - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce. Cherry tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Garlic brings a lovely aroma and flavor. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds richness. Italian seasoning ties all the flavors together. This dish balances creaminess and freshness. Each ingredient plays a role in making it special. Enjoy making this creamy chicken penne! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the penne, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta. Drop in the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Slice the chicken breasts into thin pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. You want it golden brown and fully cooked. Make sure to stir it often. This helps it cook evenly. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute. The garlic will add a lovely aroma and flavor. Pour in one cup of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes. This helps the broth reduce slightly, making it richer. After that, stir in one cup of heavy cream. Bring this mixture back to a gentle simmer. Now, add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes and one cup of fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, about 2-3 minutes. Finally, add the cooked penne and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together well. Make sure the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Taste it and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if needed. To get that rich, creamy texture, start with heavy cream. When you add cream to your dish, do it slowly. Stir well as you pour it in. This helps the cream mix evenly. Let it simmer gently to thicken. You can also use a bit of the starchy pasta water. This adds creaminess and flavor. Add more depth to your dish with herbs and spices. Fresh basil adds a lovely touch. You can also try thyme or oregano for a different spin. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat. If you like garlic, use more than the recipe calls for. It boosts the overall taste of your creamy chicken penne. When cooking chicken, heat the pan before adding oil. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Cut the chicken into small pieces for quicker cooking. Make sure to season the chicken well. Don't rush the sautéing; let it brown nicely. For veggies, add them in stages. Cook the garlic first, then add tomatoes and spinach last. This keeps everything fresh and bright. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook the penne pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Flavor Boost: For added depth, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Freshness Matters: Using fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes enhances the dish's flavor and texture, making it more vibrant and nutritious. Cheese Variation: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or pecorino, for a unique twist on the creamy sauce. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Use large shrimp and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. You should press and cube it first. Sauté the tofu until it's golden and crispy. Both options make this dish unique and tasty. Adding more veggies can boost nutrition and flavor. Try mushrooms for an earthy taste. Slice them and add when you cook the chicken. Bell peppers add sweetness and color. Chop them and toss them in with the garlic. You can mix and match veggies to suit your taste. This way, you create your own version of creamy chicken penne. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer tasty choices. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut milk. This keeps the dish creamy while adding a hint of sweetness. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients fit your diet. These swaps allow everyone to enjoy creamy chicken penne. To store leftovers, let the creamy chicken penne cool. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just scoop out a portion. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure the dish is cool before sealing. You can freeze it for up to two months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Creamy chicken penne stays safe in the fridge for three days. If you freeze it, it lasts for two months. Always check for off smells or changes in texture. If anything seems off, it’s best to throw it away. Yes, you can use whole wheat penne pasta in this recipe. It adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Follow these best practices for substitution: - Cook the whole wheat penne for a few minutes longer than regular penne. It takes longer to soften. - Make sure to taste the pasta as it cooks to avoid overcooking. - The sauce may coat the whole wheat pasta differently, so adjust the sauce amount if needed. If you want a lighter version of creamy chicken penne, several alternatives work well. Here are some options: - Use half-and-half for a creamy texture with less fat. - Substitute Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor and added protein. Mix it in at the end for best results. - Silken tofu blended until smooth can also replace heavy cream for a dairy-free option. Reheating creamy chicken penne can be tricky, as you want to keep it creamy. Here are some tips to help: - Use a skillet over low heat for reheating. This helps prevent the sauce from separating. - Add a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating to maintain creaminess. - Stir often to heat evenly and keep the sauce smooth. This blog post covered how to make a creamy chicken penne dish. We explored key ingredients like penne pasta, chicken, and cream. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions to guide you through the process. You learned tips for adding more flavor and variations to fit your taste. Finally, we discussed how to store your leftovers safely. Remember, cooking is about creativity. Experiment with flavors and ingredients to make this dish your own. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with chicken, spinach, and tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

250 g penne pasta
2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh spinach
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are softened, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the cooked penne and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well combined and the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

Notes

Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword chicken, creamy, easy, pasta