Name: Chicken Penne Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces penne pasta (cooked according to package instructions); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (you will need 3 tablespoons total); 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (you will need 1 1/2 tablespoons total); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table 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 (or 1/4 teaspoon table salt); dash freshly ground black pepper; 6 ounces fresh baby spinach (roughly 1 cup); 2 vine-ripened tomatoes (diced); fresh parsley (for topping)

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Chicken Penne Pasta is the kind of dish that instantly brings warmth to a busy weeknight dinner. With its perfectly cooked penne, tender chicken, and a luscious creamy sauce, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort. Each bite is a delightful combination of textures with the subtle crunch of spinach and the rich creaminess of half-and-half enveloping everything beautifully. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel pampered, yet takes hardly any time to prepare.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken Penne Pasta
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chicken Penne Pasta

I remember the very first time I made Chicken Penne Pasta for my family. The enticing aroma of garlic and onions bubbling away in the pan created an inviting atmosphere that had everyone flocking to the kitchen. Watching their faces light up with satisfaction as they tasted it for the first time filled my heart with joy. Trust me, this is more than a mere dinner solution; it’s a dish that brings people together around the table, and I’m certain that once you cook it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, savory, and comforting with every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Beautiful colors from tomatoes and spinach make it a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Great for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily customize this dish to suit various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 ounces penne pasta: Cooked according to package instructions; this is the base of the dish. Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free if you prefer.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing; adds flavor. You’ll use an additional tablespoon upon cooking the chicken.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives a wonderful aromatic taste—more on the flavors it brings, which are a perfect match for chicken!
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor; if you don’t have kosher salt, table salt works, but use a bit less.
Dash freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat; freshly ground is always best.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounded thin to cook evenly; you can substitute with turkey or tofu to make it easier.
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: For cooking the chicken to a golden perfection.
2 cloves garlic: Minced garlic adds a bold flavor that pairs beautifully with the creaminess.
1 small yellow onion: Diced, it adds a sweet base flavor while cooking.
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the sauce, giving it a rich, creamy texture.
1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce; low-sodium options work well too.
1 cup half and half: Creates that luscious creaminess in the sauce; you can substitute with heavy cream or a dairy-free cream alternative if desired.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan: For a salty, nutty flavor and an extra creaminess, plus a bit more for serving.
1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning: Enhancing the flavor even further, this additional hit of herbs rounds out the sauce perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Another boost to ensure flavor pops; adjust as per your taste.
Dash freshly ground black pepper: Just to bring all those flavors together beautifully.
6 ounces fresh baby spinach: Adds a healthy green component and wilt beautifully in the sauce.
2 vine-ripened tomatoes: Diced, these add freshness and a pop of color to the dish.
Fresh parsley: This is for topping; it adds a fragrant note and lovely brightness.

How to Make Chicken Penne Pasta

Cook the Penne: Begin by cooking 8 ounces of penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to salt your water generously! Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Season 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and a dash of black pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and then toss in 2 minced cloves of garlic and 1 small diced yellow onion. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Make the Sauce: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir well and cook for an additional minute. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of half and half. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and comes to a slight simmer.
Add Seasonings and Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, 1/2 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and a dash of black pepper. Allow it to cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Incorporate Spinach and Tomatoes: Add in 6 ounces of fresh baby spinach and 2 diced vine-ripened tomatoes. Stir occasionally and cook until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are tender.
Combine with Pasta and Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Toss everything together with the cooked penne pasta until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Serve & Garnish: Spoon the Chicken Penne Pasta onto plates and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Chicken Penne Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for about 2-3 minutes until heated through, stirring midway. Note that the pasta may absorb some sauce, so feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half to refresh its creamy consistency.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should be golden on the outside but juicy inside.
If the sauce thickens too much, don’t hesitate to adjust with chicken broth.
Taste as you go! This will ensure you achieve the perfect seasoning balance.
For a spice kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to your sauté.
Make this dish ahead of time! It can be cooked a day before and reheated, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Each time you whip up this Chicken Penne Pasta, I encourage you to play around with the ingredients—maybe add some mushrooms or bell peppers for a personal twist. This recipe is incredibly forgiving and lets you experiment while always delivering that crave-worthy comfort food experience. Enjoy every flavorful bite as it brings your loved ones together at the table!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?

Absolutely! While penne is a great choice, feel free to swap it with your favorite pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or even whole wheat options. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it.

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

You can easily make Chicken Penne Pasta healthier by using whole wheat pasta, reducing the amount of cheese, and incorporating more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for added nutrition.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Sure! You can prepare Chicken Penne Pasta in advance, keeping it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. Just give it a quick reheat, and it should taste just as delightful!

How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it vegan, substitute half-and-half with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.

More Main Dishes Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Chicken Penne Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Peter
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken Penne Pasta features tender chicken and fresh spinach enveloped in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s an ideal dish for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces penne pasta (cooked according to package instructions)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (you will need 3 tablespoons total)
1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (you will need 1 1/2 tablespoons total)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/2 teaspoon table 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 (or 1/4 teaspoon table salt)
dash freshly ground black pepper
6 ounces fresh baby spinach (roughly 1 cup)
2 vine-ripened tomatoes (diced)
fresh parsley (for topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, seasoning the water with salt, and drain while still al dente.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, then add it to the skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side until it reaches 165°F.
Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it cool slightly, then slice it.
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Whisk in the flour, then slowly add the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan. Gradually add the half and half, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes over low heat until small bubbles appear.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely. Add the remaining Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in the spinach to wilt it, then add the cooked penne and chicken to the sauce.
Top with more Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, and fresh parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian dressing before cooking.
You can substitute other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to add more nutrients.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated gently for a quick meal.