Description
This Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta is a deliciously rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, it combines classic Italian flavors with ease and speed.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
Chicken & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup spinach leaves, fresh
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare and cook the chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook each side until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from the skillet and slice into strips.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add vegetables to the sauce: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach leaves, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine pasta, sauce, and chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Return the sliced chicken to the pan and mix everything gently to combine and warm through.
- Serve and garnish: Divide the pasta among serving plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If you prefer a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can add extra flavor but adjust added oil amount accordingly.
- Red pepper flakes add subtle heat; omit if you prefer milder flavor.
- Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for best melting and taste.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
