Description
This delightful recipe combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce, tender bites of chicken, vibrant baby spinach, and perfectly cooked penne pasta—all in a single skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. Boneless, Skinless Chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 8 oz. Penne pasta
- 1 Tbsp. Olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter
- 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1 Cup Chicken Broth
- 1 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 Cup Grated Mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Cups Fresh Baby Spinach
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s no longer pink in the center, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the penne pasta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens, about 12-15 minutes. If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a little extra chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, as well as the remaining Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted, and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and gently fold it into the hot pasta and sauce. Allow it to wilt and incorporate into the dish.
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500-600
- Sugar: 2-4 gr
- Sodium: varies on broth used
- Fat: 25-30 gr
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 gr
- Fiber: 2-4 gr
- Protein: 30-40 gr
- Cholesterol: 100-125 mg
