Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta with Spinach and Tomato, Easy

Introduction

Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta is the ultimate comforting weeknight dinner. Tender pieces of chicken are cooked until golden, then tossed with al dente penne pasta in a rich and silky Parmesan cream sauce. Fresh cherry tomatoes and baby spinach add color, flavor and nutrition, creating a beautifully balanced dish that feels indulgent yet fresh at the same time. Because everything comes together in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you still want a homemade meal bursting with flavor.

History and Background of the Recipe

Creamy pasta recipes have long been favorites across Italian-inspired cuisine, especially dishes that combine chicken, Parmesan and cream. While traditional Italian cooking often avoids cream sauces, this style of dish became incredibly popular in modern home cooking thanks to its richness and simplicity. Over time, cooks began adding vegetables like spinach and tomatoes for both taste and balance. Today, creamy chicken pasta has become a true household staple around the world, loved for its versatility and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
1¼ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups baby spinach
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil and parsley for garnish

Preparation

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned on the outside and cooked all the way through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the garlic

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Cook for about one minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This step helps infuse the cream sauce with deep garlic flavor.

Step 4: Make the creamy Parmesan sauce

Reduce the heat to low and pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Stir gently to combine it with the garlic. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Season lightly with salt and pepper, tasting as you go.

Step 5: Add the vegetables and combine

Add the cherry tomatoes and baby spinach to the skillet. Let them cook in the sauce until the tomatoes soften slightly and the spinach wilts down. Then return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together so the pasta and chicken are completely coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Once everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while the sauce is still hot and creamy.

Nutritional Information (Estimated per Serving)

Calories: 620–680 kcal
Protein: 38–42 g
Fat: 28–32 g
Carbohydrates: 55–60 g
Calcium: High due to Parmesan
Sodium: Moderate depending on seasoning

These values are approximate and may vary based on the brands and quantities you use. This dish is rich, filling and full of protein, making it an excellent main course option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works wonderfully with fusilli, fettuccine, rigatoni or farfalle. Any pasta that holds sauce well is a great option.

Can I make a lighter version of the sauce?

You can replace part of the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still creamy and delicious.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, peas, broccoli or zucchini all pair beautifully with this creamy sauce and add extra nutrition.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Yes, you can stir leftover roasted or grilled chicken into the sauce at the end of cooking. Just heat it through gently so it stays tender.

Does this pasta reheat well?

Creamy pasta can thicken in the fridge, so when reheating add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and bring back its silky texture.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta is a wonderfully comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, rich Parmesan cream sauce and fresh vegetables all in one pan. It is simple enough for a quick family dinner, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Because it is so versatile, you can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Serve it hot, garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy a restaurant-style pasta dish right at home.

Creamy chicken penne pasta mixed with spinach, cherry tomatoes and Parmesan in a skillet, garnished with fresh basil and parsley.

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