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Creamy Chicken Penne with Spinach and Nuts


  • Author: emilyharper
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A comforting and elegant pasta dish with a creamy sauce, tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and crunchy nuts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz Penne Pasta
  • 2 large Chicken Breasts, diced
  • 4 cups Fresh Spinach, roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup Nuts, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta by boiling salted water and cooking penne until al dente (10-12 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
  2. Sauté chicken in heated olive oil over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes until cooked through.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  4. Build the sauce by adding heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring, and simmering for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Toss in spinach and allow to wilt for a couple of minutes.
  6. Combine pasta with the sauce, mixing until coated.
  7. Add chopped nuts and fold into the pasta.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and nuts.

Notes

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or plant-based cream. Save the pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: creamy chicken penne, pasta, comfort food, spinach, nuts