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
Scale
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.
