Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) Chicken breasts, thinly sliced or cubed
- 10 oz (300g) Penne or Fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, drained from oil)
- 2 cups Fresh baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken – While the pasta boils, season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
- Step 3: Sauté Aromatics – In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Step 4: Simmer the Sauce – Pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Add the remaining Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce thickens slightly and the cheese has melted.
- Step 5: Wilt the Spinach – Add the fresh baby spinach to the sauce. Stir gently for 1-2 minutes until the spinach has wilted down into the creamy mixture.
- Step 6: Combine and Serve – Add the cooked chicken and the drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Diet: Low-Carb (variation mentioned)