Name: Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound chicken breast (diced); 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped); 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; salt and pepper (to taste); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, quick to prepare, and satisfying for the whole family, look no further than this Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne. This recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all wrapped up in a creamy Parmesan sauce over perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s the ideal weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but is straightforward enough to throw together after a busy day. Plus, the rich flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser everyone will come back for seconds of.

Top Reasons to Make Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne

Fast and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect when time is tight but you want a homemade meal.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach creates a vibrant, savory bite in every forkful.
Comfort Food with a Twist: Creamy sauce meets wholesome pasta and protein for a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
Flexible Ingredients: Use fresh or frozen spinach, and swap chicken for another lean protein if you want.
Great for Meal Prep: Keeps well in the fridge, making lunches or dinners for the next few days a breeze.

What Goes Into Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne

12 oz penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
1 pound chicken breast, diced: Tender bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Packed with intense umami flavor.
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy note and vibrant color.
3 cloves garlic, minced: For that aromatic punch.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a sweet, herbaceous undertone.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance all the natural flavors.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious sauce that ties everything together.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty finish.

Kitchen Gear Checklist

Large pot: To boil the penne pasta to al dente perfection.
Large skillet or sauté pan: For cooking the chicken and creating the sauce.
Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir and combine ingredients without scratching pans.
Knife and cutting board: For dicing chicken, chopping spinach, and mincing garlic.
Colander: To drain the pasta once cooked.
Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.

Directions: Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown on the outside, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute—be careful not to burn it. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Cream

Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta and toss everything together, ensuring the sauce evenly coats the pasta and chicken. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Make It Year-Round

Summer: Use fresh sun-dried tomatoes or even fresh cherry tomatoes for a lighter twist.
Winter: Frozen spinach works beautifully when fresh isn’t available.
Spring: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the creamy sauce.
Fall: Incorporate mushrooms or roasted bell peppers to deepen the flavor profile.

Avoid These Traps

Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the penne just al dente to avoid mushy texture once mixed with the sauce.
Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter if overcooked, so watch closely when sautéing.
Using too much cream: Stick to the specified amount to keep the sauce rich but not overly heavy.
Skipping seasoning: Salt and pepper are key to balancing the flavors, so don’t be shy with them.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

This dish reheats beautifully, making it a smart choice for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or microwave. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Common Qs About Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Whole wheat or gluten-free penne pasta can be substituted to accommodate dietary preferences. Just adjust cooking times according to package instructions.

What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of flour to thicken the sauce. Coconut cream is another alternative for a dairy-free option.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian-friendly version without sacrificing flavor.

How can I add more veggies to this dish?

Feel free to toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms when sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Frozen peas or artichoke hearts also complement the flavors well.

Creamy Garlic Spinach Orzo – Another creamy, comforting pasta dish with fresh greens and garlic.
Spinach Artichoke Chicken Stuffed Shells – A baked pasta delight stuffed with savory spinach and chicken.
Grilled Chicken Wraps – Perfect for a lighter, handheld meal with vibrant flavors.

Ready to Cook?

Gather your ingredients and kitchen tools, and in less than half an hour, you’ll be enjoying a creamy, flavorful Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this dish is the perfect balance of simplicity and taste. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!

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