Description
This Chicken Penne Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces penne pasta (cooked according to package instructions (226.8 grams))
- 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, 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 (or 1/4 teaspoon table 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, cooking the penne pasta according to package directions. Season the water with salt and drain the pasta when al dente.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat while the water boils.
- Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Add to the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove chicken from skillet, let it cool slightly, then slice it.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil, then add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Whisk in flour, then slowly pour in chicken broth while scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Gradually add half and half and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, adding remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add spinach, allowing it to wilt, then stir in cooked penne and sliced chicken.
- Serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, and fresh parsley.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
For a lighter meal, substitute half and half with a low-fat cream.
Add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg