Decadent Penne with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Creamy Chicken

Ingredients

- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (such as Parmesan or sharp cheddar)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup sliced tomatoes

Instructions

1. Cook the Penne:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove.
- Add the penne pasta and cook for about 10 minutes, or until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2 minutes.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes and let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until it begins to thicken.

5. Combine Ingredients:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked penne to the creamy sauce.
- Add the grated cheese and stir until melted and well incorporated.

6. Finish the Dish:
- Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
- Add the sliced tomatoes and gently mix to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

7. Serve:
- Plate the penne and garnish with extra cheese and cilantro if desired.

Preparation & Cooking Times

Preparation Time: PT15M
15 minutes
Cooking Time: PT25M
25 minutes

Total Time

PT40M
40 minutes

Type of Dish

Dinner

Keywords

Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Spinach and Mushroom Pasta, Quick Dinner, Easy Penne Recipe, Family Dinner, Chicken Penne, Creamy Sauce, Italian-American Pasta, Stove Top Meal

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

Total Calories: 1,600

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