Penne with spinach and chicken

Penne with Spinach and Chicken - A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

In the culinary world, few dishes are as beloved as pasta. It has an amazing versatility and can easily adapt to any type of ingredient. Today, I invite you to discover a delicious recipe for penne with spinach and chicken, which combines the fresh and healthy flavors of vegetables with the taste of perfectly cooked chicken. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it ideal for a quick and healthy dinner.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Your basic ingredients:
- 1 package of penne (approximately 400 g)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 300 g chicken breast, skinless
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1 medium onion
- 2 green onions
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 300 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 100 g spinach (you can use fresh or frozen spinach)
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil or 1/3 cup of chopped fresh basil
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Cooking the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water starts to boil, add the penne and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 10 and 12 minutes, until al dente. After boiling, drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Preparing the chicken: Meanwhile, clean the chicken breast of skin and cut it into small cubes. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden and cooked through.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the chicken is cooked, add the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic. Continue to sauté for 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the pepper and mix well.

4. Preparing the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the mixture in the skillet and quickly stir to combine. Let it cook together for 1 minute, then gradually begin to add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until it thickens.

5. Finalizing the dish: Now, add the diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, basil, and spinach (thawed if using frozen spinach). Add the lemon juice and mix well. Adjust the salt to taste. Let everything simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld.

6. Mixing the pasta: Finally, add the cooked penne to the skillet, carefully mixing to coat the pasta evenly with the rich and flavorful sauce.

7. Serving: Serve the penne with spinach and chicken immediately, sprinkled with a bit of fresh basil or grated Parmesan, as desired.

Practical tips:
- Ingredients: Choose whole grain pasta for added fiber and nutrients. If you are vegetarian, you can replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms.
- Spinach: Spinach is an excellent source of iron, vitamins, and antioxidants. If you prefer a stronger flavor, use fresh spinach.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms. Additionally, for a creamier sauce, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream at the end.
- Serving: This dish pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or fresh lemonade.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken, while spinach provides significant amounts of vitamins A, C, K, and folic acid. The carbohydrates from the pasta provide energy, making it ideal for a lunch or dinner meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of pasta? Of course! You can experiment with fusilli, farfalle, or any other type of pasta you prefer.
- Is this recipe suitable for kids? Yes, it is a healthy and tasty meal that can be adapted to suit the preferences of little ones.

This penne with spinach and chicken recipe is not only delicious but also a healthy choice for the whole family. Don't forget to enjoy the cooking process and experiment with your favorite flavors and ingredients! Enjoy your meal!