Simple Weeknight Creamy Spinach Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Boil a large, salted pot of water for the pasta. Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions.
- Meanwhile, cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then coat the pieces with flour.
- Add butter and oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until no longer pink on the outside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Add the garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Return the pan to the heat and let it bubble for about a minute, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
- Add the chicken, cream, and spinach to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Reduce the heat if the sauce bubbles excessively or thickens too quickly.
- Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta
Okay, honestly, who hasn’t stared into the fridge at 5 PM on a Tuesday, completely blanking on dinner? I’ve been there, more times than I’d like to admit, especially during these cooler LA spring evenings when you still crave something comforting but don’t want to heat up your whole apartment. You know, when the kids are probably screaming and your brain is just fried?
That’s where this amazing Chicken Penne With Spinach, Ricotta & Basil Pesto swoops in like a culinary superhero. It’s truly a game-changer for busy weeknights. I mean, it tastes like you spent hours slaving away, but it’s actually incredibly quick and easy. We’re talking a genuinely delicious, restaurant-quality meal without all the fuss, and it’ll easily become one of your favorite easy pasta dishes.
This creamy spinach chicken pasta is everything you want: perfectly tender chicken, al dente penne, vibrant spinach, and a sauce that’s just right, rich with ricotta and bursting with fresh basil pesto flavor. It’s a simple pasta dinner that delivers big on comfort food vibes, and honestly, your family will think you’re a genius. Trust me on this one.
Ingredients for Your Chicken Penne With Spinach, Ricotta & Basil Pesto
Getting the right ingredients is half the battle, right? For this creamy chicken penne, we’re focusing on fresh, quality components that really make the flavors sing. You won’t believe how a few simple things come together to create such a delicious creamy sauce recipe.
Fresh Basil Pesto for that Pop
The basil pesto is really the star here, giving that incredible fresh, aromatic lift. You can absolutely use your favorite store-bought pesto, and honestly, I do sometimes after a long day. But if you’re feeling ambitious, a homemade pasta sauce with fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic, and olive oil is just next level. It’s worth it.
Creamy Ricotta Cheese Goodness
Ricotta cheese is what gives this dish its signature creamy, dreamy texture and a subtle tang. It’s not just for lasagna, you know? It melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a richness that’s truly satisfying. You want to make sure you’re using whole milk ricotta for the best results, it just makes the sauce so much better.
Penne Pasta & Juicy Chicken
For the pasta, we’re using penne. I think it’s the perfect shape here because those little tubes just love to trap all that gorgeous creamy spinach pasta sauce. Of course, you could use rotini recipes or even fettuccine with chicken, but penne really holds up well. And for the chicken, we’re going for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Perfectly tender chicken is key!
Fresh Spinach & Aromatics
Fresh baby spinach adds a lovely color and a boost of nutrients without overpowering the dish. It wilts down beautifully, becoming part of that amazing creamy spinach chicken pasta. And of course, we can’t forget the aromatics: fresh garlic, because honestly, what’s a good pasta dish without it?
Essential Kitchen Tools for This Weeknight Chicken Pasta
You don’t need a fancy kitchen to make this amazing Chicken Penne With Spinach, Ricotta & Basil Pesto. Really, you don’t! We’re talking about basic stuff you probably already have. You’ll definitely want a large pot for boiling your penne pasta. A good, heavy-bottomed skillet or a Dutch oven is perfect for sautĂ©ing the chicken and building that creamy sauce. I mean, it helps with even heat distribution, you know?
An instant-read thermometer is a lifesaver for making sure your chicken is perfectly cooked every time. No more guessing! A whisk will be your best friend for getting that sauce super smooth, and a sturdy spatula for stirring everything together. And a grater for that fresh parmesan cheese, because, trust me, it makes all the difference.
How to Make Chicken Penne With Spinach, Ricotta & Basil Pesto
Alright, let’s get down to business! Making this creamy chicken spinach pasta easy is all about timing and a few simple steps. You’ve got this, no stress here!
Prep Your Ingredients Like a Pro
First things first, let’s get everything ready. This is where the magic starts. You’ll want to dice your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! Get your garlic minced, and measure out your ricotta, pesto, and heavy cream. Having everything prepped means you won’t be scrambling later. It’s just a smoother cooking experience, you know?
Cook the Penne Pasta Just Right
Next up, get a big pot of salted water boiling for your penne pasta. While you’re waiting for that to boil, you can start on the chicken. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add your penne and cook it according to package directions, aiming for perfectly al dente. That means it should still have a little bite to it. We don’t want mushy pasta, honestly.
Sauté Chicken & Spinach to Perfection
While the pasta’s doing its thing, heat a little olive oil and butter in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through. This is where that delicious Maillard reaction happens, giving the chicken so much flavor! Use your instant-read thermometer to check, it should be 165°F. Once it’s done, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add your minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant, then stir in the fresh baby spinach until it just wilts. It’ll smell amazing, I promise!
Combine Pesto & Ricotta for that Creamy Sauce
Now for the sauce, the secret to a perfectly creamy sauce for spinach chicken pasta! Whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning in the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Then, slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. This is key for avoiding a split sauce, you know? Once it’s warmed through, stir in the ricotta cheese and basil pesto until everything is beautifully combined and that creamy sauce is just right.
Finish & Serve Your Easy Creamy Spinach Chicken Pasta Recipe
Drain your cooked penne, reserving a little pasta water. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in that luscious creamy spinach chicken pasta sauce. If your sauce looks a little thick, add an extra splash of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese and maybe a little extra fresh basil. It’s so good, you’ll want to dive right in!
Expert Tips for Best Results with Chicken Penne With Spinach, Ricotta & Basil Pesto
Look, I’ll be honest, even the easiest recipes have little tricks that make them go from good to absolutely amazing. I’ve learned these the hard way, so you don’t have to! These tips will help you make the best creamy spinach chicken and pasta possible.
Don’t Overcook Your Penne Pasta
This is probably the most important tip for any pasta dish, honestly. You want your penne to be al dente, meaning it still has a slight chew to it. It’ll continue to cook a little bit when you toss it with the hot sauce, so pull it just before it’s perfectly tender. Nobody wants mushy pasta, you know?
Use Fresh Pesto for Maximum Flavor
While store-bought pesto is totally fine and a great shortcut, a fresh basil pesto truly makes this Chicken Penne With Spinach, Ricotta & Basil Pesto shine. The vibrant, herbaceous notes are just so much more pronounced. If you can, grab some fresh basil from your local Santa Monica Farmers Market this spring, it’s worth the extra effort for that incredible flavor.
Adjust Ricotta to Taste (and Shred Your Own Parmesan!)
The amount of ricotta in this recipe gives it a lovely creaminess, but you can definitely adjust it to your liking. If you want it extra rich, add a little more! Also, and this is a big one, shred your own parmesan cheese. Store-bought shredded cheese often has preservatives that prevent it from melting smoothly, and we want that gorgeous, silky finish. Using a good parmigiano-reggiano and shredding it yourself really does make a difference. It’s not being fussy, it’s the difference between a good sauce and an amazing one.
Perfectly Cooked Chicken Every Time
Overcooked chicken is dry chicken, and nobody wants that. The trick is to cook your chicken breast recipes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer, it’s your best friend here. It’s the only way to get it perfectly tender and juicy every single time, I mean, trust me on this.
Fixing Your Sauce Consistency
The thing is, sometimes sauces can be a little finicky. If your creamy sauce is too thick, don’t panic! Just add an extra splash of the reserved pasta water, or a little chicken stock, to thin it out to your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer an additional 2-3 minutes until it thickens up a bit. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely. You’ll know it when you feel it.
Variations & Flavor Swaps for Your Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
One of the things I love most about this easy creamy spinach chicken pasta recipe is how versatile it is. You can totally make it your own based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers. It’s actually quite forgiving, you know?
Vegetarian Options for Everyone
Making this recipe vegetarian is super simple! Just omit the chicken entirely. You can boost the protein with some white beans or chickpeas, or even add some sautĂ©ed mushrooms for a hearty texture. Just make sure to choose a parmesan cheese made without animal rennet if you’re keeping it strictly vegetarian. It’s a delicious meatless meal, honestly.
Add Extra Veggies for a Boost
This recipe is just begging for more vegetables! You could add some sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy kick, or maybe some steamed broccoli florets. Sautéed mushrooms, roasted butternut squash, bell peppers, or zucchini would also be amazing. You can even swap the spinach for fresh kale or baby arugula, or add them in addition to the spinach for an extra green punch. It’s a great way to sneak in more goodness, especially for picky eaters.
Different Protein Choices (Beyond Chicken Breast)
While chicken breast recipes are great, you can definitely switch up the protein. If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and add even more flavor. Just be sure to trim any excess fat. If you have leftover cooked chicken, just stir it in at the end to warm through, it’s a great time-saver. You could even try some cooked shrimp for a seafood twist, I think that would be so good!
Pasta Shape Recommendation Guide
We’re using penne here, which I love because it really holds onto that creamy sauce. But don’t feel limited! Short-cut pasta shapes like shells, rigatoni, cavatappi, or even farfalle are excellent choices. They all have little nooks and crannies to trap that rich sauce. Long noodles like fettuccine alfredo with chicken could work too, but you might want to adjust the quantity a bit. And for my gluten-free friends, there are so many fantastic gluten-free pasta options available at Ralphs or Trader Joe’s these days. It’s all about what you prefer, honestly.
Cream Substitute Comparison Chart
Okay, let’s talk cream. Heavy cream pasta is amazing for a reason, it’s got that high fat content that makes for a truly luxurious, non-splitting sauce. Heavy whipping cream, with at least 36% fat, is your best bet for that restaurant-quality creamy spinach chicken pasta. Whipping cream, usually 30-36% fat, is also a good substitute if you want something a little lighter but still rich. Now, half-and-half (10.5-18% fat) or whole milk (3.5% fat) can be used, but you need to be careful. They’re more prone to curdling, especially if boiled too vigorously. If you’re going that route, you’ll probably need to add a thickener like a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to stabilize the sauce. Just be gentle with the heat, okay?
Comprehensive Make-Ahead & Meal-Prep Strategy
This Chicken Penne With Spinach, Ricotta & Basil Pesto is surprisingly meal-prep friendly, which is amazing for busy schedules. You can totally make the sauce ahead of time! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze it for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of chicken broth or cream. You can also cook the chicken ahead of time and store it. Then, when dinner time rolls around, it’s just a matter of cooking the pasta and combining everything. So easy, you know?
Storage & Reheating Tips for Creamy Spinach Chicken Pasta
You’ve made this incredible Chicken Penne With Spinach, Ricotta & Basil Pesto, and maybe you’ve got some leftovers. That’s a win in my book! Knowing how to properly store and reheat it means you get to enjoy that delicious comfort food pasta for days.
Store leftover creamy spinach chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the prepared sauce on its own for 2-3 months. Just defrost it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it gently in a saucepan, adding a splash of pasta water or broth to bring back its creaminess. I mean, it’s freezer friendly!
When it comes to reheating, the key is low and slow. Reheat leftover pasta in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. You’ll probably need to add a few tablespoons of milk, cream, or chicken stock to help the sauce stay creamy and prevent it from breaking. Don’t blast it in the microwave on high, you’ll dry out the chicken and make the sauce grainy. Gentle heat is your friend here, trust me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Troubleshooting Your Creamy Chicken Penne With Spinach, Ricotta & Basil Pesto
Even the best cooks run into a snag sometimes, and that’s okay! I’ve been there, I learned this the hard way with my own creamy chicken spinach pasta experiments. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them, no stress.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Mistake: Your sauce looks watery or thin.
Solution: This often happens if the spinach wasn’t drained well, or maybe not enough heavy cream was used. Let it simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes to thicken, or add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and whisk until it thickens. It’ll get there, I promise.
Mistake: The sauce has a grainy texture.
Solution: This can be from overheating dairy or using pre-shredded parmesan with additives. Next time, use freshly grated parmesan cheese and add your cream slowly over medium-low heat. If it’s already grainy, sometimes a quick blend with an immersion blender can smooth it out.
Mistake: The chicken is dry.
Solution: Overcooking is the culprit here, you know? Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches exactly 165°F and no more. If it’s already dry, you can try shredding it and tossing it thoroughly in extra sauce to rehydrate it a bit. It helps.
Mistake: The flavor seems a bit bland.
Solution: You probably need more seasoning! Don’t be afraid to add extra salt, pepper, or even a pinch more Italian seasoning. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can also brighten everything up. And honestly, a little more fresh basil pesto never hurt anyone.
I mean, the thing is, cooking is a learning process, right? You’ll get the hang of this amazing Chicken Penne With Spinach, Ricotta & Basil Pesto in no time, I just know it.
Final Thoughts on Your Chicken Penne With Spinach, Ricotta & Basil Pesto
When you pull this incredible Chicken Penne With Spinach, Ricotta & Basil Pesto together, you’ll feel amazing. That delicious creamy spinach chicken pasta is going to be your new go-to for simple pasta dinner wins. It’s the perfect easy family meal that satisfies everyone, even those picky eaters, and reclaims your weeknights from dinner stress.
So go ahead, grab your ingredients on your next Trader Joe’s run, and get ready to impress yourself. This creamy lemon chicken and spinach penne is truly something special. Let me know how quickly it disappeared from your table! For more inspiration, check out my Pinterest boards.
Source: Nutritional Information
