Description
This delicious One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan sauce all cooked together in a single skillet for an easy, satisfying Italian-American weeknight meal. The dish is rich, creamy, and perfect for busy evenings when you want a comforting homemade dinner without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz penne or short pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add the uncooked pasta and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Simmer and cook pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors in the sauce.
- Combine chicken, cheese, and spinach: Stir the cooked chicken back into the pot along with the grated Parmesan cheese and baby spinach if using. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and adds a fresh touch to the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil. Serve hot for a comforting and flavorful pasta dish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk in place of heavy cream.
- Feel free to add mushrooms or red pepper flakes for extra depth and a touch of spice.
- This recipe is adaptable with gluten-free pasta; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
