Save The first time I made this pasta was on a rainy Tuesday when I needed something comforting but didn't want to spend hours at the stove. I had some sun-dried tomatoes languishing in the back of the pantry and decided to throw them in with the cream sauce. The way their tangy sweetness balanced the rich garlic cream was absolute magic, and now it's become my go-to when friends come over for dinner and I want to make something impressive without stress.
I served this at my first dinner party in my new apartment, nervous about everything. My friend Sarah took one bite and literally stopped talking for a full minute, just looked at me with wide eyes and said 'this needs to happen every week.' Something about that combination of tender chicken, velvety sauce, and those pops of intense sun-dried tomato flavor makes people feel taken care of.
Ingredients
- Penne or fettuccine: The ridges on penne grab onto that gorgeous cream sauce, but fettuccine works beautifully too
- Salt for pasta water: This is your only chance to season the pasta itself, so be generous
- Boneless chicken breasts: Pound them slightly to even thickness so they cook evenly and stay tender
- Unsalted butter: Lets you control the salt level since the Parmesan and seasonings bring plenty of savory depth
- Fresh garlic: Do not use jarred minced garlic here, the fresh stuff makes all the difference in the sauce base
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: The oil they're packed in adds incredible flavor, so do not drain it completely
- Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious restaurant-quality texture that makes this dish feel special
- Grated Parmesan: Buy a wedge and grate it yourself, pre-grated has anti-caking agents that make sauce grainy
- Fresh baby spinach: Wilts beautifully into the sauce and adds gorgeous color without overpowering the dish
- Red pepper flakes: Just a whisper of heat that wakes up the whole dish without making it spicy
Instructions
- Get your pasta water going:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta until al dente, then reserve that precious pasta water before draining
- Season and sear the chicken:
- Cook seasoned chicken breasts in hot olive oil until golden on both sides and cooked through, then let rest before slicing
- Build the flavor base:
- Melt butter in the same skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant, then add sun-dried tomatoes to release their oils
- Create the sauce:
- Deglaze with chicken broth and stir in cream, Parmesan and red pepper flakes, letting it simmer until slightly thickened
- Bring it all together:
- Add spinach until just wilted, then toss with pasta and chicken, adding pasta water until the sauce coats everything perfectly
Save This was the dish that finally convinced my husband he actually liked spinach. He had spent years picking it out of everything, but something about how it melts into this sauce made him change his mind. Now he's the one suggesting we add extra handfuls.
Make It Lighter
Half-and-half works surprisingly well if you want to cut the richness without sacrificing too much velvety texture. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still coats the pasta beautifully.
Switch Up The Protein
Grilled shrimp are incredible here and cook in just minutes. Or skip the meat entirely and add some white beans for protein, making it a hearty vegetarian option.
Wine Pairing
A crisp Pinot Grigio cuts through the cream while complementing the sun-dried tomatoes, but a buttery Chardonnay works if you prefer something with more body.
- Set out extra grated Parmesan at the table so people can add more to taste
- Crusty bread is non-negotiable for mopping up every drop of that sauce
- This pasta waits well in a low oven if you need time to get everything else on the table
Save There is something deeply satisfying about a dish that comes together this easily but tastes like you spent all day cooking it. This is the kind of pasta that makes people feel at home.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Penne or fettuccine are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well, but other shapes like rigatoni can work too.
- → Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?
Yes, grilled shrimp or turkey breast are suitable alternatives that complement the creamy Tuscan flavors.
- → How do sun-dried tomatoes affect the flavor?
They add a sweet, tangy depth balancing the richness of the cream sauce and savory chicken.
- → What is the best way to wilt the spinach without overcooking?
Add the spinach last and stir it just until it softens and reduces in volume, preserving vibrant color and nutrients.
- → How can I adjust the sauce consistency?
Use reserved pasta water incrementally to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick during tossing.
- → Are there any good wine pairings with this dish?
A crisp Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully, balancing the richness with light, fruity notes.