One Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta with Chicken
One Pot Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta with Chicken is a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner made with tender chicken, hearty pasta, and a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Everything cooks in one pot for an easy, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and chopped
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 oz uncooked pasta penne or fusilli
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook pasta uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Return cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in spinach and Parmesan. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute shrimp for chicken or omit meat for a vegetarian version.
- Use half-and-half or milk + cream cheese for a lighter option.
- Add mushrooms or basil for extra depth and brightness.
- Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking during cooking.
- Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.