This creamy spinach and sun-dried tomato chicken pasta is a perfect weeknight meal. You’ll love how quickly this flavorful and satisfying dish comes together, making healthy chicken pasta recipes a breeze.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken Breast: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Pasta: Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle works well. Whole wheat pasta is a great healthy chicken pasta recipes option.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use oil-packed for best flavor, drain them before using.
- Fresh Spinach: Frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, is a good substitute.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a similar base.
- Cream Cheese: Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter alternative.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 ounces short pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools: Large skillet, large pot
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics
Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Wilt the Spinach
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it wilts down, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
6. Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy this delightful healthy chicken pasta recipes meal!
Variation Ideas
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Stir in some chopped fresh basil at the end for extra freshness.
- Include sliced mushrooms when sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Top with toasted pine nuts for added crunch.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover creamy spinach and sun-dried tomato chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to thin the sauce if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time. Add it in step 6 to warm through.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It’s generally not recommended to freeze creamy pasta dishes as the sauce can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide the best flavor and texture for this dish. Drain them well before chopping.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based Parmesan alternative, but the texture and flavor might vary.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for a subtle kick.
What side dish pairs well with this pasta?
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty bread would be perfect with this healthy chicken pasta recipes.