Description
This Chicken Penne Pasta stands out with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh ingredients. It’s an easy, quick dish for any dinner, packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces penne pasta (cooked according to package instructions (226.8 grams))
- 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, about 1/2 an inch thick, or cut into cutlets, see note (453.6 grams))
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth (226 grams)
- 1 cup half and half (227 grams)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (plus more for topping (50 grams))
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- dash freshly ground black pepper
- 6 ounces fresh baby spinach (roughly 1 cup (170 grams))
- 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 draining the pasta while it is still al dente.
- Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and one tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Add to the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, allow it to cool slightly, and then slice.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, then add the garlic and onion, sautéing until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Whisk in the flour, then slowly add the chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits. Slowly add the half and half and bring to a simmer, cooking for 5 minutes over low heat.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt completely. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the spinach, allowing it to wilt, then add in the cooked penne and the sliced chicken.
- Top with more Parmesan cheese, fresh tomatoes, and fresh parsley!
Notes
Make sure to cook the pasta al dente for best texture.
You can substitute half and half with heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 150mg