Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon for cooking chicken
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed for extra flavor; drained)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream (substitute half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, letting their rich flavor infuse the oil.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Add the fresh spinach leaves and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, combining all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a minute before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
