Looking for a dish that’s both delicious and convenient? This One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta with Chicken brings a comforting, restaurant-quality meal straight to your kitchen without the hassle of multiple pans. The tender chicken, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach create a harmonious blend of flavors, all enveloped in a velvety cream sauce. With this easy one-pot recipe, you’ll have a delightful dinner ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes, for added flavor)
- 1 pound chicken breast (sliced into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite short pasta)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine the Liquids:
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Pasta & Cook:
- Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Add Spinach & Chicken:
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, allowing it to warm up in the sauce.
- Finish with Cheese:
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve:
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot.