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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

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This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make! Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan sauce come together for a deliciously comforting pasta dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy date night meal!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Pasta & Sauce:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken slices with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  2. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
  4. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  1. Add the cooked pasta and spinach, tossing until the spinach wilts.
  2. Return the chicken to the skillet and mix everything together.
  3. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately!

Notes

  • Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Protein Swap: Try shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating Tip: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.