Description
This One-Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy sauce all cooked together in a single pot. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights, delivering comforting flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- ½ cup milk
Pasta
- 1 cup medium pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Extra parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add diced shallots, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Pasta: Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and reduce the heat to medium. Cook the pasta for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is al dente. During the last minute of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach so it wilts properly.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in softened cream cheese and parmesan cheese into the pot until both are melted and well combined with the pasta and broth, creating a creamy sauce. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot along with the milk. Stir everything together and cook until heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve: Garnish the creamy chicken pasta with fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh garlic for garlic powder for stronger garlic flavor.
- Use dried sun-dried tomatoes if fresh are unavailable, but reduce added salt to taste.
- Pasta cooking time may vary depending on shape; check for al dente texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and milk with coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
