Quick Chicken Penne Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach

Crafting a wholesome, flavourful meal doesn’t have to be a race against the clock. This chicken penne pasta recipe, with just 10 minutes of prep and 18 minutes of cooking, seamlessly fits into your weekly routine. It’s a smart approach to bringing a balanced dish to the table without any fuss, guaranteeing delicious results every time. The secret lies in efficiently managing your time, allowing the pasta to cook whilst the sauce develops. This delightful chicken penne with cherry tomatoes and spinach is the perfect answer for those seeking both taste and speed, ready in under half an hour.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 11.3 oz (320g) penne rigate
• 14.1 oz (400g) chicken breast, cut into strips or cubes
• 8.8 oz (250g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 5.3 oz (150g) fresh spinach
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3.5 fl oz (100ml) chicken stock (or pasta cooking water)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chilli flakes (optional), a pinch
• Grated Parmesan Reggiano, for serving

Method

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
2. Whilst the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the chopped chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the finely chopped garlic cloves and the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherry tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
4. Stir the fresh spinach into the pan, along with a pinch of chilli flakes (if using), and pour in the chicken stock. Allow the spinach to wilt for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the previously cooked chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Drain the al dente pasta and transfer it directly to the pan with the sauce. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. You can add a ladleful of pasta cooking water if the sauce appears too dry.
7. Serve immediately, garnishing each portion with plenty of grated Parmesan Reggiano.

Serving & Leftovers

Serve the chicken penne pasta hot, accompanied by a sprinkling of fresh Parmesan Reggiano. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. We recommend reheating gently in a pan or microwave, adding a tablespoon of water or stock to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

Having a reliable method for preparing dishes like this means you can count on a stress-free, tasty dinner, even on the busiest evenings. Practice makes perfect, and each time you follow this recipe, you’ll refine your ability to manage kitchen timings with calm precision, embracing simple, balanced routines.