Description
An elegant and comforting dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, served over pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Chicken Breasts
- 8 oz Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne)
- 1 Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- 2 Cups Fresh Spinach
- 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1 Cup Chicken Broth
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Basil
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Parmesan Cheese for Serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of the starchy pasta water.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Sear them in the hot skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes on each side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Create the sauce: In the same skillet, toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring this sumptuous mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add cream and spinach: Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully.
- Reintroduce the chicken: Lay the chicken back into the skillet and spoon that luscious sauce over the top, ensuring the flavors meld together.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing gently to ensure every strand is coated. If the sauce becomes too thick, add that reserved splash of pasta water for a silkier finish.
- Incorporate basil: Stir in the freshly chopped basil and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Plate up your pasta extravaganza hot, topped generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving. For a lighter option, substitute chicken with turkey or tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, Italian recipe, sun-dried tomatoes, romantic dinner