Description
This Chicken Penne Pasta features succulent chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and a creamy, delicious sauce, making it a perfect choice for a quick, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces penne pasta (cooked according to package instructions)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- dash freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- dash freshly ground black pepper
- 6 ounces fresh baby spinach (roughly 1 cup)
- 2 vine-ripened tomatoes (diced)
- fresh parsley (for topping)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions, seasoning the water with salt, and drain while still al dente.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and one tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Add to skillet and cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove chicken from skillet, allow it to cool slightly, and then slice.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then add garlic and onion. Sauté until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Whisk in flour, then slowly add chicken broth while scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Gradually stir in half and half. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes over low heat.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add remaining 1/2 tablespoon of Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add spinach to the sauce, allowing it to wilt. Stir in cooked penne and sliced chicken.
- Top with additional Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, and fresh parsley.
Notes
For best results, ensure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Feel free to substitute different vegetables for added nutrition or flavor.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free penne pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
