Description
A rich, quick Italian-American meal with seared chicken breasts in a velvety parmesan cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach. The sauce balances acidity and creaminess for a restaurant-quality finish. Serves four in 30 minutes, avoiding pork, bacon, and alcohol.
Ingredients
2 large Chicken Breasts (Pounded to even thickness; can substitute with thighs)
12 oz Penne Pasta (Dried durum wheat; swap for rigatoni or fusilli)
2 cups Heavy Cream (High-fat content for stability; do not use milk)
1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated for better melting results)
1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Rehydrated in warm water if needed; oil-packed for richer flavor)
3 tbsp Olive Oil (Divided; for searing and sauce base)
1 tsp Kosher Salt (Divided; adjust to taste)
1 tsp Black Pepper (Divided; adjust to taste)
1 tbsp Garlic, minced (Optional: adjust to taste)
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning (For depth and aroma)
3 cups Fresh Baby Spinach (Use frozen as alternative, thawed and drained)
Instructions
Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high; cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden
Remove chicken and set aside; reduce heat, add remaining 1 tbsp oil, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes to pan; sauté 3 minutes
Pour in heavy cream, add parmesan, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and Italian seasoning; simmer 5 minutes
Cook pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes); during last 2 minutes, add spinach to simmering sauce to wilt
Return chicken to pan with sauce, add cooked pasta, and toss until pasta is evenly coated
Adjust seasoning and serve immediately with Parmesan cheese on top
Notes
Use a single saucepan to capture chicken fond
Add lemon zest for brightness if desired
Store cooked pasta separately from sauce in fridge for up to 3 days
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Cozy Chicken & Pasta Dinner Recipes
- Method: Stovetop + Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg