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Creamy Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Creamy Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy 30-minute dinner featuring tender chicken and pasta in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Perfect for cozy weeknights and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450g), sliced thin
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed recommended)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces (225g) penne or rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine to deglaze the pan

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 ounces penne or rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Add chicken to the hot pan in a single layer and cook about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  4. Optional: Add 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth to the skillet to deglaze. Scrape up browned bits and let simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Stir to combine, then add 2 cups fresh baby spinach. Let spinach wilt into the sauce, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens slightly. Return cooked chicken to the pan, coating it in the creamy sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Add drained pasta directly to the skillet, tossing everything together so noodles are fully coated. Cook for another minute to marry flavors.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Italian seasoning as needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning for a crispy exterior. Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Use gentle heat to prevent cream from curdling. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Non-stick skillet recommended for easier cleanup. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added broth or cream to restore sauce texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, creamy sauce, chicken recipe

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/creamy-tuscan-sun-dried-tomato-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner/