Pin It This comforting chicken pasta features sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce—all made in just one pan for easy weeknight dinners. Ready in 35 minutes, it’s a flavorful Italian-American favorite with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety sauce.
I stumbled upon this recipe on a rainy Tuesday when I wanted something comforting but did not want to tackle a sink full of dishes.
Serving this to my family for the first time was a victory because my kids actually ate the spinach without complaining.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips ensure quick and even cooking.
- Italian seasoning: 1 tsp adds a classic herbaceous base that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper are essential to season the meat properly.
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp helps create a beautiful golden sear on the chicken.
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced provide a punch of aromatic flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: 1/2 cup drained and chopped adds a chewy texture and tangy sweetness.
- Spinach: 2 cups roughly chopped brings a fresh element and vibrant color.
- Pasta: 8 oz penne or rigatoni uncooked holds the sauce well in its ridges.
- Chicken broth: 2 1/2 cups low sodium serves as the cooking liquid for the pasta.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup creates that luscious velvety texture we all crave.
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup grated adds a salty nutty finish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 tsp optional gives a subtle background heat.
Instructions
- Season the chicken:
- Toss the chicken strips with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to coat them evenly.
- Sear the meat:
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden.
- Sauté aromatics:
- Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan and cook for one minute until fragrant.
- Start the pasta:
- Add uncooked pasta and broth to the skillet, scraping up browned bits, then bring to a boil.
- Simmer together:
- Return chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Make it creamy:
- Stir in heavy cream, spinach, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes until sauce thickens.
Pin It This dish has become our go-to for busy weeknights when we need a hug in a bowl.
Choosing the Right Pasta
I find that short shapes with ridges catch the sauce much better than smooth spaghetti.
Balancing the Flavors
Taste the sauce before serving because the saltiness of the Parmesan varies by brand.
Making It Your Own
Feel free to throw in whatever vegetables you have in the crisper drawer.
- Mushrooms add a nice meaty texture.
- Bell peppers bring a sweet crunch.
- Leftover rotisserie chicken works in a pinch.
Pin It I hope this recipe brings as much comfort to your table as it has to mine.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
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Yes, penne or rigatoni work best, but other short pasta like fusilli or farfalle can be used.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
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No, but you can substitute with gluten-free pasta and adjust broth as needed.
- → Can I make it lighter?
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Yes, replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- → What wine pairs well?
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A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, savory flavors.
- → Can I add more vegetables?
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Yes, sliced mushrooms or bell peppers are great additions for extra veggies.
