Creamy Chicken Penne

This protein-rich one-pan meal brings together juicy chicken breast with wholesome greens for a quick dinner fix. Every bite gets a flavor boost from fresh garlic while the combo of crunchy broccoli and soft spinach makes a colorful, healthy meal that'll surely satisfy. You can have this tasty dish on your table in about 25 minutes, with restaurant-worthy taste using simple ingredients and easy cooking steps.

I stumbled on this dish during a crazy busy week when I wanted something healthy but couldn't face complicated cooking. My husband usually turns his nose up at anything too green, but he went for seconds and now asks for this all the time. Everyone in my family changed their tune once they tried the tender chicken with slightly crisp broccoli.

Must-Have Ingredients

• Chicken breasts (2 boneless, skinless): Go for thick, similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly; farm-raised ones taste better and have nicer texture
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Nothing beats the richness of fresh garlic; pick firm ones without any sprouts for the best taste
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Extra virgin works best since its fruity notes really complement the chicken
• Salt and pepper: They bring out the natural goodness in everything you're cooking
• Broccoli (1 head, cut into florets): Find ones with dark green tops and tight clusters; smaller stalks will be more tender
• Spinach (2 cups, fresh): Baby leaves have a softer flavor while grown-up spinach gives more substance
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated): Makes a yummy crusty layer; grate it yourself for better melting
• Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): This mix adds wonderful aroma; look for ones with basil, oregano and thyme

Tasty Directions

Getting Chicken Ready:

Slice chicken into equal chunks about 1-inch thick. Sprinkle plenty of salt, fresh black pepper, and paprika if you want. Making sure all pieces are the same size helps everything cook together without some bits getting dry or others staying raw.

Flavoring The Oil:

Warm olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Toss in your chopped garlic and cook just for 30 seconds until it smells amazing but isn't brown yet. This step gets all that garlic goodness into the oil that'll flavor your whole meal.

Cooking The Chicken:

Add your seasoned chicken to the garlicky oil without crowding the pan. Let it sit without moving for 4-5 minutes until the bottom turns golden, then flip and cook another 4-5 minutes until it hits 165°F inside.

Letting It Rest:

Move the cooked chicken to a clean plate and give it a little break. This waiting time lets all the juices spread back through the meat so it stays super tender.

Cooking The Veggies:

While your chicken takes a break, throw the broccoli and spinach into the same pan with a little splash of water. Put the lid on tight and leave it alone for 3-4 minutes until the veggies start getting softer but still keep their shape.

Putting It All Together:

Put the chicken back in with the veggies and pour in your sauce right away. Keep stirring as the sauce bubbles up and gets thicker, coating everything evenly. Add your cooked noodles, using tongs to mix everything without breaking the pasta. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and herbs to make it look and taste even better.

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My grandma from Italy always said pasta water needs to be 'as salty as the sea' for the best taste. I thought she was just being dramatic, but turns out she knew what she was talking about—salt in the water really does make the foundation for a well-seasoned meal. She'd definitely approve of how this recipe cooks everything in the same pan, building up flavors you just can't get when you cook things separately.

Perfect Side Matches

This hearty pasta pairs so well with simple sides that round out your meal nicely. Try a basic arugula salad with lemon dressing to cut through the creamy sauce with some brightness. Oven-roasted tiny tomatoes add amazing sweet pops that balance the savory bits perfectly. If you love bread, grab some crusty Italian loaf or garlic knots to soak up any leftover sauce. In summer, I often serve this with a big mixed green salad loaded with cherry tomatoes for a lighter but still filling dinner.

Mix It Up Your Way

You can easily switch things around to match what you like or what's in season. Try a Mediterranean twist with dried tomatoes, black olives, and a pinch of red pepper for mild heat. If you love seafood, add some halved cherry tomatoes, sliced peppers, and olives to the pan during the final five minutes. Vegetarians can swap chicken for chickpeas cooked in the same flavorful mix, giving you plenty of protein while keeping all that garlic goodness. My sister makes an awesome fall version adding chunks of butternut squash to the pasta, which brings a lovely sweetness and warmth.

Next-Day Meals

Don't let good food go to waste by storing leftovers right for future meals. Keep them in sealed containers in the fridge for up to three days to stay fresh without picking up weird fridge smells. When warming it up, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. It's better to reheat in a pan than a microwave, which can make cheese turn tough. Surprisingly, this freezes really well too—just cool it completely, wrap single portions in foil, and freeze for up to two months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before gently warming in a covered pan with a tablespoon of water.

This garlic chicken with broccoli and spinach has become my go-to for nights when making anything healthy seems impossible. It's so easy to make but tastes so good that it's now in my weekly lineup. What I enjoy most is watching people take their first bite—there's always that look of surprise when they realize how these simple ingredients come together into something so tasty. This dish really shows what good cooking is all about: fresh stuff, easy steps, and food that makes both your body and soul happy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap the penne for another pasta shape?

Sure thing! Try fusilli, rotini, or farfalle instead. Just follow the package for cook times to keep it perfectly tender.

→ How can I make this a little healthier?

You could replace some of the heavy cream with milk or use half-and-half. Cutting back on Parmesan and adding extra broth is another option.

→ Can this be prepped in advance?

Definitely! Cook it up to two days early. When warming it, pour in a splash of milk or cream and reheat on low to keep the sauce smooth.

→ Is there a no-meat option for this dish?

Leave the chicken out, swap chicken broth for veggie broth, and try adding mushrooms or white beans as a substitute protein.

→ What can I serve with this meal?

This pasta goes great with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies. It's a main meal on its own, with protein, veggies, and carbs included!

→ Does this freeze well?

It’s best to avoid freezing creamy pasta since the sauce might break apart. Stick to refrigerating leftovers and finishing them within three days.