Creamy Chicken and Spinach Penne

Name: Creamy Chicken and Spinach Penne
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 people
Ingredients: 12 oz Penne Pasta; 1 lb Chicken Breast; 5 oz Fresh Spinach; 1.25 cups Milk; 0.5 cup Cheese (e.g., Parmesan); 1 small Onion; 2 cloves Garlic; 2 tbsp Butter; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black Pepper

Under 30 MinsHigh ProteinStovetopDinnerComfort FoodItalian

Medium

25min

580kcal

4people

MACROS

per serving

※gProtein

◆gFat

▣gCarbs

◎gSugar

◇gFiber

Get Kitchen Buddy Free

Want to see the exact Macros for this meal? Download the Kitchen Buddy app and unlock full nutritional insights!

A comforting and hearty pasta dish featuring tender chicken and fresh spinach tossed in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce.

This Creamy Chicken and Spinach Penne is the ultimate comfort food that perfectly balances indulgence with nutrition. By utilizing tender chunks of lean chicken breast, you get a high-protein base that pairs beautifully with the iron-rich, fresh spinach. The sauce is the real star here—a velvety, garlic-infused cream sauce made from milk and melted cheese that clings to every ridge of the pasta. It eliminates the need for heavy cream while still delivering a luxurious texture. This dish is designed for busy weeknights, coming together quickly on the stovetop without sacrificing flavor. The sharpness of the onion and the savory depth of garlic cut through the richness of the dairy, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. It is an excellent way to use up fresh produce before it spoils, ensuring a wholesome, homemade meal that feels like a restaurant-quality treat.

Ingredients

350 g Penne Pasta
450 g Chicken Breast
150 g Fresh Spinach
300 ml Milk
60 g Cheese (e.g., Parmesan)
1 small Onion
2 cloves Garlic
2 tbsp Butter
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Salt
0.5 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 60ml (1/4 cup) of pasta water, then drain.
2
While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
3
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt the butter. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
5
Pour in the milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble slightly for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
6
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with remaining salt and black pepper.
7
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until just wilted.
8
Return the cooked chicken breast and the drained penne to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
9
Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese if desired.

Chef's Tips

•For a thicker sauce, you can toss the raw chicken in a little flour before frying.
•Don't overcook the spinach; add it at the very end so it retains its bright green color.

More recipes you might like

Recipe By

Kitchen Buddy Chef