Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

Name: Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips; 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped; 3 cups fresh baby spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste

This comforting pasta dish is packed with tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and bright sun dried tomatoes in a rich sauce.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 Italian· August 3, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

15 minutes

Cook

20 minutes

Total

35 minutes

Serves

There is something so special about a creamy pasta dinner that comes together in a single pan. This recipe is a favorite in my kitchen because it feels like a restaurant meal but is simple enough to make on a busy weeknight.

My best tip for this dish is to save a little bit of the starchy pasta water before you drain the noodles. Adding just a splash to your sauce helps it cling to the pasta perfectly and keeps everything velvety and smooth.

🧺 Ingredients

12 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package directions until it is al dente.
2
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3
Add the chicken strips to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, then remove it from the pan.
4
In the same skillet, add the mushrooms and cook until they are soft and brown.
5
Stir in the minced garlic and sun dried tomatoes, cooking for about one minute until fragrant.
6
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer.
7
Stir in the parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
8
Add the cooked chicken and fresh spinach into the sauce, stirring until the spinach is wilted.
9
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, coating everything in the creamy sauce, and serve immediately.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If the sauce seems a little thick when you reheat it, just add a tiny splash of water or milk to bring back that creamy texture.

#pasta #chicken #dinner #comfort food #easy dinner

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