If you’re searching for a dish that wraps comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance all in one bowl, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe. It’s a delightful dance of tender chicken, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all smothered in a rich, velvety cream sauce that clings lovingly to perfectly cooked pasta. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, this recipe is a total winner that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together to make this dish truly shine. Each component adds its own charm, balancing flavor, texture, and color to create a plate that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps cook the chicken to golden perfection.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Tender protein that soaks up all the amazing flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out the best in every ingredient.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant, savory base to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick to brighten the dish.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Bursts of sunny sweetness and chewy texture.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Fresh, vibrant greens that wilt perfectly into the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, making it irresistibly smooth and luscious.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty notes that elevate every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A bright, fresh finish that adds color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by cooking the penne pasta in salted boiling water, following the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures your pasta has just the right bite to hold up against the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside so it’s ready to be tossed later.
Step 2: Sauté the chicken
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Season your diced chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until the chicken pieces develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. These juicy bites are going to soak up the sauce soon, so don’t rush this step.
Step 3: Build the flavorful base
In the same skillet, add your minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté them just until fragrant, about one minute—this step releases a wonderfully aromatic punch that forms the backbone of our creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook everything together until the spinach wilts down, about 2 to 3 minutes. This melding of intense tomato flavor with fresh greens makes the dish vibrant and full of life.
Step 5: Create the creamy sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. This is when the magic starts to happen, and the sauce begins to thicken and get beautifully luscious.
Step 6: Melt in the cheese and season
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, which add layers of savory depth and Italian-inspired herbs. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let everything simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld perfectly together.
Step 7: Combine pasta and sauce
Finally, add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece of pasta is coated in that rich, creamy sauce. Heat for another 1 to 2 minutes to bring it all together, ensuring it’s hot and ready to serve.
Step 8: Garnish and serve
Serve your creamy chicken pasta with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese if you want to take it over the top. This final touch adds freshness and that irresistible Italian flair.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an absolute must to top off this dish, lending a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous brightness that cuts beautifully through the rich cream sauce. You can also add a little extra Parmesan or even a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the creamy richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty baguette slices are also perfect for soaking up every last bit of that dreamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve the pasta in warmed shallow bowls to keep it cozy and luscious. Garnish with edible flowers or finely chopped sun-dried tomato for a pop of color. You can even sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for an unexpected, delightful crunch that adds texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick meals the next day.
Freezing
This creamy pasta doesn’t freeze as well as some other dishes because of the dairy, which can separate when thawed. If you must freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container and know that it’s best enjoyed within one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to keep the sauce smooth and creamy, ensuring you restore that fresh-from-the-pan lusciousness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, other shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle work beautifully as well. Just choose your favorite pasta shape or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for mushrooms, tofu, or even just load up on extra vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth will keep it vegetarian-friendly.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I omit the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add only a subtle heat, so feel free to leave them out if you prefer a milder dish. The flavors will still be rich and delicious without the spice.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil or dried ones?
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are ideal for their tender texture and extra flavor, but if you only have dried tomatoes, rehydrate them in warm water before chopping and using in the recipe.
What’s the best way to get the sauce creamy without it becoming too thick?
Keeping a close eye while simmering and adding the chicken broth helps balance the richness. Stir frequently, and if the sauce gets too thick, just add a splash more broth or cream to loosen it up.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels both comforting and special every time you make it. It’s easy to put together, packed with fresh flavors, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to creamy pasta delight!
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Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a rich and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are sautéed and combined with a luscious creamy sauce, fresh spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, all tossed with al dente penne pasta. Finished with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, this recipe is both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be added later.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and well incorporated.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken pasta and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- You can substitute penne pasta with other pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni for variety.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can be used for extra flavor; just reduce the olive oil slightly.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
