Description
A deliciously comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta (or ziti, rotini, ditalini)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, blotted and diced)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional but recommended)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1½ cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan (plus more for garnish)
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat 1–2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Season diced chicken with oregano, salt, and pepper, then sauté for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, allow to simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
- Add fresh spinach and pasta to the skillet, stirring until the spinach wilts and the pasta absorbs the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Adjust seasoning, garnish with more Parmesan and fresh herbs if using, then serve warm.
Notes
Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Pasta can be swapped for any favorite shape. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg