Indulge in a rich and comforting Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes that turns any weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. This creamy pasta dish features tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, all enveloped in a luscious sauce that is both easy to prepare and satisfyingly delicious.
Ingredients:
8 oz (225g) penne pasta
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 for a kick)
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and chopped spinach, cooking for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Tips:
Garnish for Extra Flavor: Top the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving. This adds a burst of color and extra flavor.
Pair with a Side: Serve the pasta with a side salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier kick, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dish before serving.
Serve Hot: For the best flavor and texture, serve the pasta hot right after cooking. The creamy sauce will be at its best when freshly made.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover creamy chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you plan to freeze the pasta, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Note that the texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing and reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight. Warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to ensure even heating.
Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, be careful not to overcook the pasta as it can become mushy. Reheat just until warmed through.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute penne pasta with other types such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose. The sauce will coat different pasta shapes well, so feel free to use your favorite.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and make the sauce up to 1-2 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and pasta together on the stovetop, adding a bit of chicken broth or milk if needed to adjust the consistency.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
If you want a lighter version of this dish, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy, but it will still be delicious. For a dairy-free option, you can use a non-dairy milk and substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and texture. Ensure that the Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly or use a substitute if necessary
Conclusion:
For a weeknight dinner that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this creamy chicken pasta is a winning choice. Enjoy this dish with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal that will leave everyone satisfied.
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in a rich and creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. This comforting dish features tender chicken, fresh spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor. Enjoy this gourmet meal that combines simple ingredients into a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
8 oz (225g) penne pasta
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
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Substitute penne pasta with your favorite type if preferred.
For a lighter option, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 600 kcal
