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Homemade Chicken Penne Pasta photo

Chicken Penne Pasta

This Chicken Penne Pasta is SO DELICIOUS! A creamy, flavorful dish packed with vibrant veggies and tender chicken, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta:
  • 2.5 cups penne pasta
For the Sauce:
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil coarsely chopped
  • 8 ounces mushrooms thinly sliced
  • 1 cup diced cooked chicken leftover rotisserie or grilled
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 cup milk whole milk preferred
  • 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 5 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Cooking Instructions:
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture, about 5 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to combine. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock and milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add the diced chicken, baby spinach, and Italian seasoning to the sauce. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is heated through.
  6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve the Chicken Penne Pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme, if desired.

Notes

  • This dish can be made with any type of pasta you have on hand.
  • Substitute vegetables seasonally for a fresh twist.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.