Description
This One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a creamy parmesan sauce all cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, this recipe delivers comforting Italian-inspired flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup shallots, diced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Pasta and Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup medium pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- ½ cup milk
Garnish
- Fresh basil
- Extra parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté diced shallots, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their aroma.
- Cook the Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta to the pot, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. During the last minute of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach so it wilts and incorporates evenly.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the softened cream cheese and parmesan cheese until they melt and create a creamy sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and add the milk. Stir everything together and cook until the dish is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Serve: Garnish the pasta with fresh basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use cream cheese at room temperature to help it blend smoothly.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Fresh basil adds a nice pop of herbaceous flavor but can be omitted or replaced with parsley if unavailable.
