Description
This Chicken Penne Pasta is a one-pan wonder packed with flavors from juicy chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner that satisfies your cravings and delights your taste buds!
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 or cut into cutlets)
- 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, making sure to season the water with salt and drain the pasta while still al dente.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, then add to the skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, allow to cool slightly, then slice.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Add garlic and onion, sautéing until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Whisk in the flour, slowly add the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Gradually add the half and half, bringing to a simmer and cooking for 5 minutes over low heat.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Incorporate the spinach, letting it wilt. Then stir in the cooked penne and sliced chicken.
- Top with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh tomatoes, and parsley.
Notes
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian dressing before cooking.
Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or other proteins if desired.
This dish can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 545
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg