Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan (38 Minutes)

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This dish features tender bite-sized pieces of chicken, sun dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach all tossed together with al dente penne pasta in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce.

The combination of flavors is irresistible, with the tangy sweetness of the sun dried tomatoes and the savory richness of the cream and Parmesan.

It’s an easy and satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta (10 minutes):
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the chicken (10 minutes):
    • While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the garlic and sun dried tomatoes (3 minutes):
    • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
    • Stir in the chopped sun dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Make the creamy sauce (5 minutes):
    • Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
    • Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
  5. Combine the pasta, chicken, and spinach (5 minutes):
    • Add the cooked penne pasta, chicken pieces, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the sauce, the chicken is evenly distributed, and the spinach is wilted.
  6. Serve and garnish (2 minutes):
    • Remove the skillet from heat and serve the creamy chicken pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad and is sure to become a family favorite!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/creamy-chicken-pasta-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-spinach-and-parmesan-38-minutes/