Description
A comforting one-pan meal featuring seared chicken breasts in a rich, velvety sauce made with heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan cheese, served over pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 600g)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach (120g)
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (75g)
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper. If thick, pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and Italian seasoning; sauté for 1 minute.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in heavy cream, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted (1-2 minutes). Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Boil pasta separately according to package directions, then drain.
- Toss cooked pasta with the sauce until coated. Slice chicken and place on top. Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Do not overcook the chicken; pull at 160°F and let rest. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Keep heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling. This recipe does not freeze well due to the cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate with sliced
- Calories: 650
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 28
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 45
Keywords: creamy tuscan chicken pasta, one-pan dinner, comfort food, chicken pasta, easy weeknight meal, italian recipe