The one-pot creamy sun-dried tomato spinach pasta with chicken is the perfect comforting dish for busy nights when you crave a hearty yet simple dinner. The sun-dried tomatoes infuse the creamy sauce with a tangy richness that complements the tender chicken and fresh spinach beautifully, while the Parmesan brings everything together into a velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Not only is this recipe quick and easy, but it also provides a nourishing meal that the entire family will enjoy. The spinach adds a burst of freshness, while the one-pot method saves you time and cleanup, making it ideal for those who want a wholesome, flavorful dish without the hassle. Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, homestyle meal that will warm your table any night of the week.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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2 cups chicken broth
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8 ounces penne pasta
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3 cups fresh baby spinach
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1 cup milk
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned.
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Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth and add the penne pasta. Stir well to combine.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente.
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Add the fresh spinach, milk, and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
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Adjust salt and pepper to taste, garnish with fresh basil, and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Discover the Comfort and Simplicity of One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Pasta with Chicken
If you are looking for a cozy, flavorful, and easy weeknight meal, this One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Pasta with Chicken is a recipe you will return to repeatedly. This dish brings together the savory richness of sun-dried tomatoes, the delicate creaminess of a Parmesan-infused sauce, and the bright freshness of spinach, all enveloping tender pieces of chicken and al dente pasta. This recipe isn’t just about flavor; it is about making your evenings smoother with fewer dishes to wash, while providing a comforting meal that feels restaurant-quality without requiring restaurant-level effort.
This article will explore the benefits, versatility, and nutritional advantages of this recipe, including tips for ingredient swaps, pairing ideas, and insights into why this dish resonates with families, busy professionals, and home cooks seeking comforting meals that don’t compromise on flavor.
Why One-Pot Meals Matter for Busy Lives
In a world where time feels increasingly scarce, one-pot meals are more than a trend; they are a necessity for those who wish to maintain home-cooked quality while simplifying their kitchen routines. This creamy sun-dried tomato spinach pasta with chicken utilizes one pot, minimizing cleanup and making the cooking process less intimidating for beginners and stress-free for experienced cooks.
With everything cooked in a single pot, the flavors meld beautifully as the pasta absorbs the savory chicken broth and the sauce thickens naturally, allowing the creamy texture to develop without excessive monitoring. This not only enhances the flavor but also preserves nutrients, making it a practical approach for those who prioritize health and taste equally.
The Depth of Flavor from Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes are a star ingredient in this dish, adding a concentrated, sweet-tangy depth that fresh tomatoes alone cannot provide. As they rehydrate in the sauce, they release oils and flavors that infuse the cream and broth, transforming the dish into a layered experience in every bite.
Sun-dried tomatoes also contribute visually, adding specks of deep red color that contrast beautifully with the green spinach and the creamy sauce, making the dish as aesthetically pleasing as it is delicious.
The Role of Spinach in this Pasta
Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients and a versatile green that complements the creaminess of the sauce without overpowering the dish. It adds a fresh note that balances the richness of the cream and Parmesan while contributing fiber, iron, and vitamins that elevate the nutritional profile of this comforting meal.
Spinach wilts quickly, making it easy to incorporate towards the end of cooking while retaining its vibrant color and tender texture. It also makes the dish feel lighter, ensuring you get a wholesome meal that leaves you satisfied but not heavy.
Creaminess Without the Complications
One of the most satisfying aspects of this recipe is achieving a creamy, silky sauce without the need for complicated roux-making or excessive heavy cream. By combining milk with freshly grated Parmesan and the starch released from the pasta during cooking, the sauce thickens naturally, coating every strand of pasta and piece of chicken evenly.
The creaminess in this dish is not just about texture; it also ties all the flavors together, providing a comforting mouthfeel that makes each bite memorable. The sauce captures the tang of the sun-dried tomatoes, the savoriness of the chicken, and the freshness of the spinach, making this dish a comforting embrace after a long day.
Why Chicken is the Protein of Choice
Chicken, particularly boneless and skinless chicken breasts, is ideal for this recipe due to its mild flavor and quick cooking time. It provides lean protein, making the dish filling and satisfying while allowing the other ingredients to shine through.
Diced chicken pieces cook quickly, absorbing the seasoning and becoming tender within the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite contains juicy, well-seasoned protein that pairs perfectly with the pasta.
Customization Options for Every Home Cook
This recipe is highly adaptable to different tastes and dietary preferences:
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For extra vegetables: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added fiber and flavor.
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For a dairy-free version: Use a dairy-free milk and Parmesan alternative while adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.
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For a spicier twist: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while cooking.
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For different pasta types: You can use gluten-free pasta, whole wheat pasta, or even short pasta like fusilli or rigatoni.
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For an herb boost: Fresh basil, parsley, or oregano can enhance the fresh aroma of the dish.
This flexibility ensures that this one-pot creamy pasta can be made to suit whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it ideal for both planned meals and spontaneous weeknight dinners.
Pairing Suggestions
While this dish is complete on its own, you can pair it with:
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A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
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Garlic bread or a rustic baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
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A glass of crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the richness of the dish.
The Nutritional Value Behind the Comfort
This one-pot pasta is more than just comfort food. It offers a balanced combination of lean protein from the chicken, carbohydrates for energy from the pasta, and micronutrients from the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. The use of milk and Parmesan provides calcium and protein, while the dish remains relatively light compared to heavy cream-based pasta dishes.
By cooking everything in one pot, the nutrients remain in the sauce rather than being drained away, making each serving nourishing and fulfilling.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Pasta with Chicken will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation because:
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It is quick to prepare, taking around 30 minutes from start to finish.
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It requires minimal cleanup, using just one pot for the entire dish.
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It offers a comforting, creamy texture without being overly heavy.
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It is highly customizable to your family’s preferences and dietary needs.
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It looks beautiful on the plate, making it feel like a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home.
Conclusion:
The One-Pot Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Pasta with Chicken is a celebration of comforting flavors, practical cooking, and nutritional balance. It provides everything you need in a satisfying meal creamy sauce, tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and pasta that absorbs the sauce’s depth of flavor.
Whether you are a busy parent needing a quick weeknight dinner, a home cook looking to expand your comforting recipe repertoire, or someone who simply wants to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe delivers.
As you enjoy each bite of this creamy, savory pasta, you will understand why this dish deserves a spot in your regular meal plan. It’s easy, flavorful, comforting, and endlessly adaptable everything a reliable home-cooked meal should be.