Creamy Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes (Print version)
Tender chicken, penne, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes tossed in a silky parmesan cream sauce.
# Ingredients:
For the pasta
01 -
10 oz (285 g) penne pasta
02 -
1 tablespoon kosher salt, for the pasta water
03 -
1 cup reserved pasta water
For the chicken and sauce
04 -
1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
05 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
06 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 -
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
08 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 -
1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
10 -
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
11 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
12 -
1/2 cup (75 g) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
13 -
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
14 -
3/4 cup (75 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
15 -
2 cups (60 g) baby spinach
16 -
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
17 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until just shy of al dente, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
02 -
Pat the chicken dry. Toss it with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper so the pieces are evenly coated.
03 -
Heat the tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning once or twice, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
04 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 45-60 seconds, stirring often, until fragrant.
05 -
Add the heavy cream and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Simmer gently for 2 minutes, then lower the heat and stir in the parmesan until smooth.
06 -
Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and spinach, then toss until the spinach wilts and the sauce coats the pasta. Add more pasta water a splash at a time if needed.
07 -
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Sprinkle with basil or parsley and serve hot while the sauce is glossy.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served right away while the parmesan cream sauce is loose and glossy.
02 -
Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
03 -
Estimated nutrition is per serving.