Description
A delightful blend of creamy pasta with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, capturing the essence of Italian comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta (cooked al dente)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¼ cup shallot, finely diced
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Coat evenly.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté shallots for about 2 minutes. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and spices; cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, and rigatoni, tossing to coat. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional parmesan and fresh parsley.
Notes
Quality ingredients enhance the flavor. Prepare the sauce ahead to save time.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg