09/23/2026
Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne with Spinach 🍝🧄
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~600 kcal
Ingredients: 🛒
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup milk or chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Parsley, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish
Directions:
1. Cook the penne pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter, then add the minced garlic. Sauté it until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and milk (or chicken broth), and let it simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
7. Return the cooked chicken and penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it all together until everything is well-coated in that lovely creamy sauce.
8. Serve warm, garnished with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Notes & Variations 📝
- For added nutrition, throw in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers along with the spinach.
- Swap out the chicken for shrimp or grilled veggies for a different twist!
- For a lighter version, try replacing heavy cream with a mix of Greek yogurt and broth.
- Don’t have penne? Any pasta shape you have on hand will work just fine!
Enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy goodness!