Name: Easy Chicken Spinach Penne – Creamy & Healthy Dinner!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 1lb penne pasta; Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Chicken Spinach Penne is one of those culinary creations that perfectly marries comfort with nutrition, making it an absolute staple in my kitchen. There’s something undeniably captivating about a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome, and this recipe truly delivers on all fronts. I often find myself turning to this delightful combination when I crave something satisfying yet quick to prepare, knowing it will be a crowd-pleaser every time.

A Modern Classic for Busy Lives

While pasta dishes have roots deep in Italian tradition, evolving from simple peasant fare to sophisticated culinary masterpieces, the blend of succulent chicken, vibrant spinach, and perfectly al dente penne pasta represents a wonderfully modern interpretation of quick, delicious home cooking. This isn’t just a convenient meal; it’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can transform into a dish everyone will eagerly anticipate. I’ve observed that families everywhere adore this particular blend for its incredible versatility and satisfying flavors, making it a go-to for countless households.

The creamy sauce, often subtly enhanced with garlic and Parmesan, beautifully coats every piece of pasta and tender chicken, creating a harmonious symphony of tastes and textures that is simply irresistible. From the comforting chew of the penne to the fresh brightness of the spinach and the hearty chicken, every forkful is a delight. Preparing this Chicken Spinach Penne means bringing joy and warmth to your dinner table with minimal fuss, making weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion without the extra effort.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:
- 2 large (about 1.5 pounds total) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing the chicken
For the Penne Pasta:
- 16 ounces (1 box) penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, to add to the pasta water (optional, but I find it helps!)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, for the pasta water
For the Creamy Spinach Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (about 5-6 ounces) – it seems like a lot, but it cooks down significantly!
- ½ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) OR an additional ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version, but heavy cream makes it truly decadent)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened (optional, for extra richness and thickness)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle warmth)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Prep Work and Searing the Chicken

Prepare the Chicken: To begin our journey to a delicious Chicken Spinach Penne, let’s start with the star – the chicken! Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps ensure a beautiful sear and crispy exterior. Next, place them on a clean cutting board. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of sea salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture generously all over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing it gently to adhere. You can cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces before seasoning, or season the whole breasts and then dice them after searing – I often do the latter for better searing control.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (my personal preference is a cast-iron skillet, if you have one!) over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, sear the chicken in batches. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown on the outside and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is what we’re aiming for. Achieving a good sear here is key to building flavor for our entire Chicken Spinach Penne dish.
Rest and Dice: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it from the skillet to a clean plate or cutting board. Cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that your chicken remains tender and moist. After resting, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about ¾-inch to 1-inch cubes. Set the diced chicken aside for later. Don’t worry about any browned bits left in the skillet – those are flavor gold that we’ll use in the next steps!

Cooking the Penne Pasta

Boil the Pasta Water: Grab a large pot, the bigger the better, and fill it with plenty of water. Place it over high heat on your stovetop. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of sea salt to the water. The salt is essential for seasoning the pasta from within, making a significant difference in the final taste of your Chicken Spinach Penne. The olive oil is optional, but I find it helps prevent the pasta from sticking together, especially if you’re not tossing it immediately. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
Cook the Penne: Once the water is vigorously boiling, add the 16 ounces of penne pasta. Give it a good stir to prevent it from clumping together. Cook the penne according to the package directions, but aim for an al dente texture. This means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. It’s crucial not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce. For most penne, this usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
Reserve Pasta Water and Drain: Before you drain the pasta, make sure to reserve about 1 to 1½ cups of the starchy pasta cooking water. This liquid is a secret weapon in pasta dishes! It helps to emulsify the sauce, thicken it, and allows it to cling beautifully to the pasta. Once you’ve reserved the water, drain the cooked penne in a colander. You can leave it in the colander for a few minutes while you finish the sauce – no need to rinse it, as rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce adhere.

Building the Flavorful Creamy Spinach Sauce

Sauté the Aromatics: Using the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (don’t clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), add 2 more tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and softened. You’ll notice the beautiful aroma starting to fill your kitchen – a sign that deliciousness is on its way for our Chicken Spinach Penne.
Add Garlic and Deglaze: Once the onion is soft, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Now for a fun part: pour in the ½ cup of dry white wine (or extra chicken broth). This is called deglazing! Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up all those wonderful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are concentrated flavor from the chicken and aromatics, and deglazing them will infuse the sauce with incredible depth. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing most of the alcohol to evaporate.
Create the Sauce Base: Pour in the 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, the 1 cup of heavy cream, and if you’re using it, the ¼ cup of softened cream cheese. Add the 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if desired). Whisk everything together thoroughly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thicken.
Wilt the Spinach and Add Cheese: Now it’s time for the “spinach” part of our Chicken Spinach Penne! Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach to the simmering sauce. It will look like a mountain of spinach, but don’t worry, it wilts down incredibly fast. Stir it into the sauce and cook for just 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is completely wilted and tender. Next, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a luxurious, creamy texture. This step is important to prevent the cheese from clumping or getting stringy.
Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed. Remember, the Parmesan cheese is salty, so add salt incrementally. You’re looking for a perfectly balanced, rich, and savory flavor.

Combining and Finishing the Dish

Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce: Carefully add the drained penne pasta and the diced, seared chicken back into the skillet with your creamy spinach sauce. Using a pair of tongs or a large spoon, gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the luscious sauce. This is where the magic truly happens, transforming individual components into a cohesive and mouthwatering Chicken Spinach Penne.
Adjust Consistency with Pasta Water: If the sauce seems a little too thick or dry for your liking, now is the time to use that reserved pasta water. Add a splash, about ¼ cup at a time, stirring well after each addition, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The starchy water will help to loosen the sauce and make it extra silky, allowing it to beautifully cling to every piece of penne and chicken.
Final Simmer and Serve: Let the combined dish gently simmer for another 1-2 minutes over low heat, just to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors have a chance to fully marry. This short simmering period really helps all the ingredients become one harmonious dish.
Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer your glorious Chicken Spinach Penne to individual serving plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is at its absolute creamiest. This dish is truly a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy every single bite!

Conclusion:

Well, friends, we’ve reached the delicious crescendo of our culinary journey together, and I truly hope you’re feeling as inspired as I am about this incredible recipe. If there’s one dish that consistently brings smiles to faces around my dinner table, it’s this magnificent creation. This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a vibrant, flavorful experience that seamlessly blends comfort with sophistication. The magic of our Chicken Spinach Penne lies in its perfect harmony: the tender, juicy chicken, the fresh, slightly wilted spinach, and that lusciously creamy sauce clinging to every single al dente penne. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. It’s hearty enough to satisfy the biggest appetites, yet light enough not to leave you feeling overly full, making it an ideal choice for any night of the week, whether it’s a busy Tuesday or a relaxed Sunday. I promise you, once you taste that first forkful, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a cherished staple in so many homes.

What makes this particular rendition of Chicken Spinach Penne a must-try isn’t just its undeniable flavor, but also its incredible versatility and surprisingly straightforward preparation. You get all the robust, comforting flavors you crave from a hearty pasta dish, but with the added freshness and nutritional boost of spinach, making you feel good about what you’re serving. The richness of the sauce, often enhanced by a hint of garlic and herbs, provides a beautiful canvas that perfectly complements the savory chicken and the earthy notes of the spinach. It’s truly a symphony of textures and tastes, from the chewiness of the penne to the tenderness of the chicken and the slight crunch of fresh Parmesan on top. This recipe is designed to be approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring that a truly gourmet-tasting meal is well within your reach, even on your busiest days. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary superstar without demanding hours of your time in the kitchen.

But the joy doesn’t have to stop there! While phenomenal as is, our Chicken Spinach Penne is also wonderfully adaptable. Consider serving it alongside a crisp, lightly dressed green salad to cut through the creaminess, or with a basket of warm, crusty bread to sop up every last bit of that exquisite sauce. For variations, feel free to get creative!

Add a burst of color and flavor with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red bell peppers.

Sautéed mushrooms would also make a fantastic addition, deepening the umami profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out some of the Parmesan for a touch of smoked gouda or mozzarella for a different cheesy dimension. For those who like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred in with the sauce can provide a delightful kick. You could even experiment with different pasta shapes – rotini or farfalle would work beautifully. And for a truly indulgent twist, a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano just before serving can elevate the aromatic experience. This adaptability means you can make it your own, tailoring it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

So, now it’s your turn! I genuinely encourage you to roll up your sleeves and give this incredible recipe a try. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to happen in your kitchen. Imagine the aroma filling your home, the delighted expressions of your loved ones, and the sheer satisfaction of creating something so utterly delicious. Don’t hesitate – gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to be amazed by how easily you can bring such a remarkable dish to life. Once you’ve savored every mouthful of this perfect Chicken Spinach Penne, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you add your own unique twist? What did your family think? Please share your culinary adventures, your photos, and any modifications you made. Your feedback and creativity inspire me, and I can’t wait to see how this recipe shines in your home. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!