There’s nothing better than a hearty, flavorful meal that requires minimal clean-up. Enter this One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta with Chicken. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with the goodness of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and tender chicken. And the best part? Everything cooks in one pot, making it the perfect go-to for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is great for pasta lovers who enjoy bold flavors without the hassle of multiple pans. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach elevates the dish with a beautiful mix of tanginess and fresh greens. Plus, the chicken adds a satisfying protein that balances out the creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Pasta:
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (oil-packed or dried)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 12 oz uncooked pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for some heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season your chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same pot (using the leftover oil from the chicken for flavor), add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors come together.
3. Add Liquid and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, add the uncooked pasta. Make sure all of the pasta is submerged in the liquid, and then reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pot and cook according to the pasta package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Tip: If the liquid reduces too quickly and the pasta isn’t fully cooked, you can add a bit more broth or water.
4. Incorporate Spinach, Chicken, and Parmesan
Once the pasta is nearly done, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the chopped spinach and allow it to wilt for 2-3 minutes. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring well to thicken the sauce.
5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Before serving, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
6. Garnish and Serve
For added freshness, garnish with chopped fresh basil and more Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Use Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They have more flavor and are softer. If using dried ones, make sure to rehydrate them by soaking in warm water for about 10 minutes.
- Broth Choice: Chicken broth is the most flavorful option, but if you’re making this vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth and leave out the chicken.
- Heavy Cream vs. Half-and-Half: Heavy cream gives a rich, velvety sauce, but you can lighten things up with half-and-half. The sauce will still be creamy, but a bit less indulgent.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Check the pasta towards the end of cooking. You want it to be al dente, meaning firm to the bite. Overcooking will result in mushy pasta.
- Substitutions: Feel free to swap the spinach with kale or arugula if you prefer a different green. The chicken can also be replaced with shrimp, sausage, or tofu for a different protein.
This One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta with Chicken is a fantastic recipe that brings comfort and flavor in one delicious meal. The richness of the creamy sauce combined with the tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes, the freshness of spinach, and the hearty chicken makes this dish irresistible. Not to mention, the convenience of cooking everything in just one pot means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal. Whether you’re preparing this for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, it’s sure to impress.
