Description
A creamy, flavorful one-pot pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sundried tomatoes, and fresh spinach all tossed in a luscious parmesan and cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Protein
- 1 lb. Pasta (your choice of shape)
- 1 1/2 lbs. Chicken Breast (cut into cubes)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 Onion (finely diced)
- 4 Garlic Cloves (finely minced)
- 2/3 cup Sundried Tomatoes (in oil, chopped)
- 1 cup Fresh Baby Spinach (chopped)
- 5-6 Fresh Basil Leaves
Dairy & Broth
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 1/2 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 4 ounces Parmesan Cheese (grated)
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Prepare the chicken and aromatics: In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add finely diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Season the cubed chicken breast with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook the chicken until lightly golden on the outside and fully cooked through, around 5 minutes per side. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift browned bits for extra flavor. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes. Continue to simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add greens and cheese: Stir in the chopped baby spinach and grated parmesan cheese. Allow the cheese to fully melt into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Fold in fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal freshness.
- Serve: Plate the creamy chicken pasta and garnish with additional parmesan and basil ribbons for an elegant finish. Enjoy immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer; penne, fusilli, or farfalle work particularly well to hold the sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes depending on your spice tolerance.
- Chopping the spinach ahead of time helps it blend better into the creamy sauce.
- Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce without diluting its flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be less rich.
