Description
A quick, one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Italian herbs in a creamy, spicy parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
· Chicken
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- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
· Sauce and Pasta
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- 1 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Calabrian chili paste
- 12 oz short-cut pasta (rigatoni or penne)
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
1. Prepare Chicken
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- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil (reserved from sun-dried tomatoes) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Set aside.
2. Make the Sauce
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- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté shallot, garlic, and Calabrian chili paste until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
3. Incorporate Flavors
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- Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
4. Cook Pasta
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- Boil pasta directly in the sauce, adding water or chicken broth as needed. Stir frequently until pasta is al dente and infused with sauce flavors.
5. Add Spinach and Chicken
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- Fold in fresh baby spinach until wilted. Add cooked chicken back into the pot and combine well.
6. Serve
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- Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute Calabrian chili paste with red pepper flakes if unavailable.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream when reheating leftovers.
- Use pre-minced garlic and pre-grated parmesan to save prep time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 690 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 748 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 71 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 102 mg