Ingredients
– ½ lb penne pasta
– ½ tablespoon olive oil
– ½ tablespoon butter
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes (chicken tenders or thighs can also be used)
– 1 small yellow onion, diced (red, white, or sweet onion can also be used)
– 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes (petite or regular)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon; garlic powder can substitute)
– 2 cups fresh chopped spinach, stems removed
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 2 ¾ cups chicken broth (regular or low sodium)
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
– 4 oz full fat cream cheese
– ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
1-First, heat the olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium heat. This step builds a flavorful base for the dish.
2-Next, add the diced chicken and onions, cooking them for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the onions soften up nicely.
3-Then, add the remaining ingredients to the skillet and stir everything together. Bring it to a low simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes until the penne is just right al dente for that perfect bite.
4-Finally, remove from heat, give it a good stir, and let it sit for a minute or two before serving. You can top it with extras like parmesan or red pepper flakes for a personal touch.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🌿 Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for best texture.
🧄 Garlic powder can substitute fresh garlic if needed.
🧀 Freshly grated parmesan cheese enhances flavor the most.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving