Description of this recipe: This Creamy Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a luscious cream sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.
Why you will love this recipe: You’ll adore this recipe because it’s incredibly versatile and satisfying. The creamy sauce is rich and decadent without being overly heavy, while the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add pops of freshness and bursts of intense flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy days. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your preferences and dietary needs!
Introduction
In the realm of comfort food, pasta reigns supreme. Its versatility and ability to absorb flavors make it a culinary canvas for countless delicious creations. This Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a prime example of pasta’s potential. It’s a dish that elevates the humble weeknight meal into something truly special, a delightful symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone clamoring for seconds.
The key to this recipe’s success lies in its balanced flavors. The rich cream sauce provides a luxurious base, perfectly complemented by the savory chicken, the slightly bitter spinach, and the intensely sweet and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. The addition of garlic, red pepper flakes (if you dare!), and Italian seasoning adds depth and complexity, creating a flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a restaurant-worthy dish.
Imagine twirling your fork through perfectly cooked penne, each bite laden with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bursts of sun-dried tomato flavor. The spinach adds a touch of green goodness and a subtle earthy note, while the Parmesan cheese provides a salty, nutty finish. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, offering a satisfying blend of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself, this Creamy Chicken Pasta is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and prepare to indulge in a culinary masterpiece!
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 (oil-packed, drained)
- 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)
Preparation:
Step 1: Begin by cooking the penne pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Al dente means the pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta immediately using a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce later on, if needed. Set the drained pasta aside.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Ensure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients later. Season the diced chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The amount of salt and pepper you use will depend on your personal preference, but a good starting point is about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the diced chicken pieces. Be sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside in a separate bowl.
Step 3: Now, it’s time to build the flavor base. In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste. The red pepper flakes will add a touch of heat to the dish, so adjust the amount according to your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
Step 4: Add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the skillet. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted down significantly. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The sun-dried tomatoes will release their flavorful oils into the skillet, adding depth and complexity to the sauce. If you’re using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, be sure to drain them well before adding them to the skillet.
Step 5: It’s time to create the creamy sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Step 6: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Ensure that all the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper will also add a nice finishing touch.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Flavor Profile: Savory, Creamy, Tangy
- Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing would be a perfect complement to the richness of the pasta.
- Pair with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious cream sauce.
- Serve with a glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to enhance the flavors of the dish.
- This dish is also great reheated, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Tips:
- Chicken: For a quicker cooking time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the sauce in the final step.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, to the skillet along with the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cheese: If you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano cheese or Asiago cheese.
- Spice: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, or omit them altogether for a milder flavor.
- Cream: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. However, the sauce will be less thick and creamy.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes in oil, you can use dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Simply rehydrate them in hot water for about 15 minutes before chopping and adding them to the skillet.
- Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water when draining the pasta. This starchy water is a great thickening agent for sauces and helps the sauce adhere to the pasta better.
Prep Time:
- 10 minutes
Cook Time:
- 20 minutes
Total Time:
- 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values, may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: 650-750 per serving
- Protein: 35-45g per serving
- Sodium: 500-700mg per serving
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick and easy to make, customizable to your liking, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. So, give it a try and discover your new favorite pasta dish! The combination of the creamy sauce, tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes is simply irresistible. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! This Creamy Chicken Pasta can be made ahead of time and reheated. However, the sauce may thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra chicken broth or milk when reheating to restore the creamy consistency. Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can use the microwave or heat it gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a tablespoon of olive oil during reheating can also help keep the pasta from sticking together.
Q2: Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
A2: Certainly! While this recipe calls for penne pasta, you can easily substitute it with other types of pasta, such as fusilli, rotini, farfalle (bow tie pasta), or even spaghetti or fettuccine. The key is to choose a pasta shape that has ridges or grooves that will help it hold onto the creamy sauce. Smaller pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini might not work as well, as they tend to get lost in the sauce. Experiment with different pasta shapes to find your favorite combination!
Q3: Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
A3: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to make it vegetarian. Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables to compensate. Some great vegetarian additions include sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers. You could also add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas for added protein and fiber. For a more substantial vegetarian meal, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese to the sauce for extra flavor and creaminess.
Q4: Can I freeze this Creamy Chicken Pasta?
A4: While it’s possible to freeze this dish, the texture of the creamy sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Cream-based sauces tend to separate when frozen and thawed, which can result in a slightly grainy texture. If you do choose to freeze it, make sure to cool the pasta completely before transferring it to an airtight freezer-safe container. When thawing, allow the pasta to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and stir well to help restore the creamy consistency. Freezing is best for short periods (1-2 months max) to maintain the best quality.
Q5: What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I use something else?
A5: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk, but be aware that the sauce will be thinner and less rich. To help thicken the sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to the simmering sauce. Alternatively, you can use cream cheese for a tangier, richer flavour profile. Add 2-4 ounces of softened cream cheese after the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes have cooked through, whisking until smooth before adding the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese. This will give your sauce a lovely body, very close to the heavy cream consistency.
