Description
A comforting one-skillet meal that combines pan-seared chicken with a creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, served over penne pasta.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out and reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Pat the chicken pieces dry, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, until well browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the baby spinach and toss until just wilted, about another 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Add the dried basil and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the sauce thicken for 3–4 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained penne. Toss everything together over low heat so the pasta warms through and picks up the sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper if desired.
Notes
For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce Parmesan slightly. Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian