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Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta

Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tsp salt, divided
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz dry penne pasta
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 5 oz fresh baby spinach
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Red pepper flakes, optional

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with ½ tsp salt and the pepper. Sear for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  3. Add broth, remaining ½ tsp salt, and penne. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and spinach. Cook 2-3 minutes, tossing, until spinach wilts and sauce coats the pasta. Return chicken to the pan and toss to combine.
  5. Spoon into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Use any short pasta shape you like; just adjust the simmer time according to the table above. If you want extra veggies, add sliced mushrooms when you sauté the onion.