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Once your pasta is cooked and drained, it's time to bring everything together for that creamy, flavorful experience. Start by returning the chicken and creamy spinach sauce to the skillet over medium heat. Gently fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring each piece is evenly coated in the rich sauce. The heat from the skillet will help the sauce adhere to the pasta and chicken, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up, creating a silky texture that clings beautifully to the ingredients.

Creamy Spinach and Chicken Pasta in 20 Minutes

Discover the joy of cooking with our Creamy Spinach and Chicken Pasta recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. In just 25 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a rich creamy sauce wrapped around penne pasta. This recipe focuses on fresh ingredients and easy preparation, ensuring a delicious meal that satisfies both friends and family. Follow our step-by-step guide for a delightful culinary experience that will impress everyone at your table!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225 g) penne pasta

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

2 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and roughly chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional, for a fresh touch)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a spacious pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside to cool.

    Sauté the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced chicken. Season with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

      Sauté Garlic and Spinach: Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Next, add the chopped spinach and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach has wilted and everything is well combined.

        Create the Sauce: Gently pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to blend it with the sautéed spinach and garlic. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.

          Combine Ingredients: Return the sautéed chicken back into the skillet, followed by the cooked penne pasta. Toss the mixture gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and integrates smoothly into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.

            Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the creamy pasta to serving plates. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic and visually appealing finish.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 5 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings

                Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in deep bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and vibrant spinach. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds a finishing touch, along with a few whole basil leaves for a pop of color.