If you’re searching for a dinner that feels downright luxurious yet fits beautifully into your busy weeknight routine, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Picture fork-tender pasta swirled in a silken Parmesan cream sauce, juicy chicken, vibrant spinach, and those pops of sweet-tangy sun-dried tomatoes—each bite a gorgeous combination of savory, creamy, and bright flavors. This recipe is all about comfort and color, with a flavor profile you’ll keep coming back to time after time.

Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish comes together with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that truly shine when brought together. Each component plays a key role in creating the irresistible taste, creamy texture, and eye-catching color that make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes so memorable.

Pasta: Penne or fettuccine gives just the right bite while catching all that luscious sauce—choose your favorite shape!
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and giving the skillet extra depth of Mediterranean flavor.
Chicken Breasts: Sliced thinly, they cook up juicy and golden in minutes (rotisserie also works in a pinch).
Italian Seasoning: This handy blend adds herby, aromatic notes that infuse both the chicken and the sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the savory goodness in each ingredient.
Garlic: Fresh and aromatic, it perfumes the entire dish in that irresistible garlicky warmth.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Drained of oil and chopped, these gems add tangy sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
Baby Spinach: Wilting into the sauce, spinach gives a fresh, bright balance to the creaminess.
Heavy Cream: The base for your silky, indulgent sauce; you can lighten up with half-and-half if you prefer.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
Parmesan Cheese: Stirred in for nutty saltiness and that luxurious, creamy finish.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but just a pinch will add a pleasant, gentle warmth to every bite.
Fresh Basil: Another optional garnish, but it tops things off with a fresh herby aroma.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—this means the noodles should have a tiny bit of bite left in the center. Drain them well and set aside. Pro tip: reserve a little pasta water in case you want to loosen your sauce later!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Lay the pieces in the skillet and let them cook undisturbed until golden brown on one side, about 2–3 minutes, then flip and finish cooking through (another 2–3 minutes). Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Build Flavor with Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—the flavorful bits left behind are gold!), add the minced garlic and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant without browning. The tomatoes will soften slightly and start releasing their flavor into the base of the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—it should start to thicken slightly. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Combine

Now, add the fresh baby spinach right into the sauce. Stir for 1 or 2 minutes, just until the leaves wilt down into silky green ribbons. Return the cooked chicken (and any juices) to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated and all the ingredients are evenly distributed. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your liking.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Serve your Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes warm, right out of the skillet. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a few torn basil leaves for a fresh, aromatic finish.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Garnishes

For that restaurant-worthy presentation, don’t forget to top your pasta with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some gentle heat, and a few chiffonade-cut basil leaves. These little touches not only add a burst of color but also deepen the flavor and make your Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes look absolutely irresistible.

Side Dishes

This pasta is complete on its own but truly sings alongside a simple green salad dressed with a zingy vinaigrette. Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that dreamy sauce. If you’re in the mood for extra veggies, roast some asparagus or toss together a bowl of lemony steamed broccoli to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or just want to make dinner feel extra special, try twirling individual servings into neat pasta nests on each plate and garnishing with basil sprigs. Serve in a rustic family-style bowl for a cozy, communal feel. For a weeknight shortcut, you can also portion out the Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes into meal-prep containers with a lemon wedge and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top—it keeps the flavors bright and lunch-friendly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored this way, Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to save as much sauce as possible with the pasta, as the noodles tend to soak it up as they sit.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly due to the cream. To freeze, cool the pasta completely and portion it into airtight freezer-safe containers. It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to help the sauce recombine smoothly.

Reheating

Reheating Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is easiest on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth while stirring gently to loosen the sauce and bring back the creamy consistency. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each interval so the pasta heats evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! This recipe is lovely with shrimp, sliced sausage, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time so your protein stays tender and juicy.

Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy sauce?

Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for a full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened, unflavored plant-based cream alternative. Use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for a similar savory depth.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adjustment.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or artichoke hearts are delicious additions that bring even more color and variety to Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Just sauté them along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, try roasted red peppers or a handful of cherry tomatoes, halved and sautéed. They’ll add a different kind of sweetness and color while still delivering a vibrant twist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel as excited as I do to get cooking and dig into a plate of Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. It’s one of those wonderful recipes that looks as impressive as it tastes and comes together without a fuss. Treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this creamy, colorful comfort meal soon—you just might find it becomes a new favorite at your table!

Creamy Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a luxurious and flavorful dish with this Creamy Chicken Pasta featuring tender chicken, spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a rich Parmesan cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: red pepper flakes and fresh basil for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: Cook seasoned chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through.
Prepare Sauce: Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then add broth and cream. Simmer and stir in Parmesan until smooth.
Finish Dish: Add spinach, chicken, and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss until coated and heated through.
Serve: Garnish with red pepper flakes or basil, if desired.