✨ Introduction
Creamy Chicken Spinach Alfredo Penne is the ultimate cozy comfort pasta packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, perfectly cooked penne, and a rich garlic Parmesan Alfredo sauce. Every bite delivers buttery garlic flavor, creamy cheesy goodness, and savory chicken coated in silky Alfredo perfection. Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this restaurant-style pasta dish is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or comforting weeknight meals.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Pasta
• 12 oz penne pasta
For the Chicken
• 1½ lbs chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Alfredo Sauce
• 4 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
• Mushrooms
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Broccoli
• Bacon bits
Optional Garnish
• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Chili flakes
• Cracked black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Boil penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3️⃣ Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
4️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Base
Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
5️⃣ Cook the Spinach
Add spinach and cook until wilted.
6️⃣ Build the Alfredo Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
7️⃣ Combine Everything
Add cooked penne pasta and chicken back into the skillet and toss until fully coated in the Alfredo sauce.
8️⃣ Add Optional Ingredients
Mix in mushrooms, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, or bacon bits if desired.
9️⃣ Garnish and Serve
Top with parsley, cracked black pepper, chili flakes, or extra Parmesan cheese.
🔟 Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot for a creamy, cheesy, and deeply comforting pasta dinner.
❓ FAQ
What chicken works best?
Chicken breast or thighs both work beautifully.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich.
Can I make it spicy?
Add Cajun seasoning or chili flakes.
What pasta works best?
Penne holds Alfredo sauce perfectly.
What sides pair well?
Garlic bread or Caesar salad pair perfectly.
🍝 Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Spinach Alfredo Penne is the perfect comforting pasta packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, rich garlic Alfredo sauce, and cheesy Parmesan goodness. Cozy, hearty, and deeply satisfying, it’s a homemade favorite full of warm savory flavor.
