Name: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Spinach (Italian Style)
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp kosher salt, divided; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 cups baby spinach; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta)

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Spinach (Italian Style)

finack

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Spinach is a celebration of Italian flavors and the art of balancing salt, fat, acid, and heat. Golden-seared chicken is paired with sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes, vibrant spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Fresh lemon juice lifts the richness, while a tangle of penne soaks up every drop. The result is a colorful, satisfying dinner that's both comforting and fresh, perfect for a weeknight yet special enough for company. Made with accessible ingredients and easy steps, this dish will make you excited to cook—and eat—Italian at home!

Ingredients

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While pasta cooks, pat chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 5-6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
In the same skillet, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook 2-3 minutes until softened.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Simmer 1-2 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
Add spinach and lemon juice. Stir until spinach wilts. Slice chicken and return to skillet. Toss to coat, then add drained pasta. Add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.