Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

Name: Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes or thin slices); 8 ounces Pasta (Penne, fettuccine, or rotini work well); 2 tablespoons Olive oil (divided); 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped); 5 ounces Fresh spinach (roughly chopped); 1 cup Heavy cream; 1/2 cup Chicken broth; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus more for serving); 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper (or to taste); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

This recipe features tender pan-seared chicken breast combined with a rich and creamy sauce, infused with the savory tang of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, all tossed with al dente pasta. It's a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

#pasta

#chicken

#creamy

#sun-dried tomatoes

#spinach

#dinner

#comfort food

#easy meal

Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Recipe Information

15m

Prep Time

30m

Cook Time

45m

Total Time

Servings

Medium

Italian-American

English

Nutrition (per serving)

700

Calories

50g

Protein

60g

Carbs

30g

Fat

Close-up of Creamy Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

Servings: 4

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Pasta Ready to Serve

Instructions

0/7 completed

1
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
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10m
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Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
10m
Ensure pasta is al dente as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Reserving pasta water is crucial for adjusting sauce consistency.
2
While pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
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8m
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While pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
8m
Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary to get a good sear.
3
Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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3m
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Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3m
Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should be aromatic, not brown.
4
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
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2m
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Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
2m
Spinach reduces significantly when cooked, so it may seem like a lot at first.
5
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning (if using). Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
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5m
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Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning (if using). Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
5m
Do not boil the cream vigorously, as it can curdle. Simmer gently to thicken.
6
Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine everything thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
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2m
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Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine everything thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
2m
Toss well to ensure every strand of pasta and piece of chicken is coated in the creamy sauce.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
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1m
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Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
1m
This dish is best enjoyed fresh.