Name: Chicken Spinach Pasta
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 10 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach; 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese

For a quick and easy 30-minute meal that won't disappoint, look no further than this creamy chicken spinach pasta recipe.

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted

1 cup heavy whipping cream

10 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach

2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1 Boil the pasta

2 Cook the pasta according to package directions. Editor's Tip: We recommend cooking noodles to al dente.

3 Cook the chicken and onions

4 Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook and stir the chicken and onions in the oil for five minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink. Editor's Tip: The internal temperature of chicken should read 165°F so you know it's cooked through.

5 Make it creamy

6 Next, stir in the cream of mushroom soup and the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat, and simmer, uncovered, for two minutes.

7 Add spinach and cheese

8 Stir in the spinach, mozzarella cheese and black pepper. Cook for one to two minutes or until the spinach is wilted, the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Editor's Tip: While we love the convenience of pre-shredded cheese when making creamy sauces, we recommend taking the time to grate the cheese fresh from the block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain additives like cellulose to prevent them from clumping in the package, which can, unfortunately, also inhibit the cheese from melting smoothly in sauces.

9 Combine and serve

10 Drain the pasta, add to the chicken mixture and toss to coat. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes. Enjoy!