Description
A creamy and flavorful one-pot chicken pasta dish combining tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a parmesan cream sauce. This easy-to-make meal comes together quickly using just one pot, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, oil drained
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
Cooking Base
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
Pasta and Sauce
- 3/4 - 1 pound short cut pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 cups chopped baby spinach
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large pot set over medium-high heat, heat the drained oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, then cook the chicken in the pot for about 5 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and start pasta: Add butter, chopped garlic, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning to the same pot. Cook for approximately 2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the pasta and 2 cups of water. Stir frequently and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Create the creamy sauce: Stir in the whole milk, cream cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese into the pot with the pasta. Mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Return the cooked chicken back to the pot along with the chopped baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined and the spinach begins to wilt.
- Finish with herbs and serve: Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the fresh chopped basil. Serve the pasta immediately with additional fresh Parmesan and basil for garnish. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference; thighs provide more moisture.
- The oil from the sun-dried tomatoes adds flavor – do not discard it.
- Adjust pasta quantity depending on how saucy or creamy you prefer the dish.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cream cheese.
- Fresh basil is added last to preserve its bright flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American