Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta with Chicken

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If you’re looking for a comforting yet elegant pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta with Chicken is the perfect choice. Tender chicken pieces are seared to golden perfection, then tossed with al dente pasta in a luscious cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and fresh spinach. The result is a balanced dish that’s both hearty and fresh, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips or cubes)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (preferably from the sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor)

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

  2. Cook the chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

  3. Prepare the sauce base: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for about 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Make it creamy: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

  5. Add cheese & greens: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

  6. Combine everything: Return chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss well to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.

  7. Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.

✨ Creamy, savory, and satisfying—this pasta is a guaranteed family favorite!

Would you like me to also give you a lighter version with half-and-half instead of cream, or keep it indulgent?

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