Spinach Chicken Penne is a creamy and comforting pasta dish with mascarpone—perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner.
This is one of those pasta dishes I make when I want something quick but still rich and satisfying.
Chicken, spinach, and a creamy mascarpone sauce come together into a soft, balanced dish that doesn’t need much effort. The mascarpone makes the sauce smoother and more delicate than using cream alone.
It works well for everyday cooking and is also easy to pack for lunch the next day. Simple, creamy, and reliable.
How to choose the best ingredients
Pasta: Use the pasta you like—penne works great here because it holds the sauce well, but tagliatelle or spaghetti are also good options
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is the best choice—no need to remove stems. If using frozen, choose whole leaves and drain well after thawing
Chicken breast: Use good-quality chicken. You can also use boneless cuts, just trim any excess fat or connective tissue
Mascarpone: This is what makes the sauce extra creamy and smooth. You can replace it with cream, but the flavor will be less rich
Garlic: A perfect match for spinach—adds depth and a slightly sharp note
Nutmeg: Just a small amount enhances the creamy sauce. Freshly grated works best and gives a more delicate aroma
Top Tip for Success
- You can make a larger batch of the sauce and store it for the next day—perfect for lunch
- When reheating, the sauce may thicken—add 1–2 tablespoons of water to loosen it
- Even better, reserve some pasta cooking water—it helps bring the sauce back to a smooth, creamy consistency
- Reheat gently on low heat so the sauce doesn’t split
- Store pasta and sauce separately if possible—this keeps the texture better
- Add fresh spinach at the end when reheating if you want a fresher taste
More Creamy Pasta Recipes
Creamy Spinach Pasta — a simple, classic dish that always works
Creamy Pasta alla Carbonara — not traditional, but easier to handle and perfect for lunch on the go
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne — mushrooms and chicken with pasta is a combination you can’t go wrong with
Marry Me Chicken Pasta — rich, creamy, and full of flavor
Marry Me Chicken Orzo (one pot recipe) — a slightly different take, just as comforting and creamy
Spinach Chicken Mascarpone Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash chicken breasts, dry with a paper towel, cut into cubes
- Fry the prepared breasts in oil, add the garlic cut into small cubes or grind in a press.
- We add spinach to our creamy dish until the leaves fall off
- Add the mascarpone cheese, salt and pepper
- Add pinch of nutmegEnjoy your meal
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