Chicken Penne Pasta with Spinach and Sun-dried Tomatoes

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Introduction

Are you searching for a 30-minute pasta recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavors without compromising on nutrition or convenience? Chicken Penne Pasta with Spinach and Sun-dried Tomatoes combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy, satisfying sauce that transforms simple weeknight cooking into a gourmet experience. This comprehensive guide reveals professional techniques for creating perfectly balanced flavors, achieving optimal pasta texture, and incorporating nutritious ingredients that make this dish both indulgent and health-conscious.

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Why is it Perfect for You?

🔹 Time-efficient weeknight solution: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy professionals, parents, and anyone needing a quick yet satisfying dinner option.

🔹 One-pot convenience: Minimal cleanup required as most components cook together, reducing kitchen mess while maximizing flavor development and ingredient integration.

🔹 Nutritionally balanced: Combines lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and nutrient-dense vegetables, providing sustained energy and essential vitamins in every delicious bite.

🔹 Crowd-pleasing versatility: Appeals to both adults and children while offering endless customization options for dietary restrictions, ingredient preferences, and seasonal variations.

Ingredients List

Create culinary magic with these thoughtfully selected ingredients that build layers of complementary flavors and textures:

For the Pasta and Chicken:

• 1 pound penne pasta (or substitute with whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta)
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
• 1 large onion, diced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free option)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped (reserve 2 tablespoons oil)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach (or 2 cups frozen, thawed and drained)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)

Preparation Time and Servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 generous portions

This streamlined timing makes it 40% faster than traditional pasta dishes that require multiple cooking stages, while the one-pot method significantly reduces cleanup time compared to conventional recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Foundation

Bring a large pot of salted water to boiling and cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water before draining, as this starchy liquid will help bind the sauce perfectly.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Aromatic Base

Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Add remaining olive oil to the same skillet, then sauté diced onion until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Sauce

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes with their oil to the pan, cooking for 2 minutes to release flavors. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits, then gradually whisk in heavy cream.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return cooked chicken to the skillet, add drained pasta, and toss to combine. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency. Fold in fresh spinach until wilted, then remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving immediately while hot and creamy.

Nutritional Information

This satisfying meal provides approximately 485 calories per serving, delivering 32 grams of high-quality complete protein, 52 grams of energy-sustaining complex carbohydrates, and beneficial nutrients including iron from spinach, lycopene from sun-dried tomatoes, and calcium from Parmesan cheese. The dish also supplies folate, vitamin K, and antioxidants that support overall health and wellness.

Calories per Person

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Total Calories	485
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fat	16g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	640mg
Calcium	180mg

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this indulgent dish into a lighter option by substituting Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of pasta water for heavy cream, reducing calories while increasing protein content. Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for additional fiber and nutrients. Replace some chicken with cannellini beans for plant-based protein, or add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase nutrient density while reducing the pasta-to-vegetable ratio.

Serving Suggestions

Present your <a href=”https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinner” target=”_blank”><strong>Chicken Penne Pasta with Spinach and Sun-dried Tomatoes</strong></a> in warmed bowls with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Complement with warm crusty bread, a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, and a glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. For family dinners, consider serving with roasted vegetables or a Caesar salad to create a complete, restaurant-style meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🔸 Overcooking the pasta: Mushy pasta ruins the dish’s texture – cook until al dente as it will continue cooking when combined with the hot sauce.

🔸 Adding cheese too early: Incorporating Parmesan while the pan is still over heat can cause the cheese to become stringy and clump together.

🔸 Skipping pasta water: This starchy liquid is essential for creating a silky sauce that properly coats the pasta and binds all ingredients.

🔸 Overcrowding the chicken: Cooking too much chicken at once prevents proper browning and can result in steamed, rather than seared, meat.

🔸 Using pre-shredded cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better and provides superior flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store leftover pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container, though the texture is best when consumed within 24 hours. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency, as cream sauces tend to thicken when chilled. For meal prep, store cooked chicken and sauce separately from pasta, combining them when ready to serve. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and helps maintain optimal texture.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternative for similar flavors without dairy content.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
Keep heat at medium or lower when adding cream, and gradually whisk it in rather than dumping it all at once to prevent separation.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely, but thaw and squeeze out excess moisture first to prevent watering down the sauce, and use about half the amount since frozen spinach is more concentrated.

What other pasta shapes work well with this recipe?
Rigatoni, fusilli, farfalle, or shells all hold the creamy sauce beautifully, while long pasta like fettuccine or linguine also work wonderfully.

How can I make this recipe spicier?
Increase red pepper flakes, add diced jalapeños with the onions, or incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the sauce for extra heat.

Conclusion

Creating restaurant-quality Chicken Penne Pasta with Spinach and Sun-dried Tomatoes at home proves that weeknight dinners can be both convenient and sophisticated. This 30-minute recipe delivers complex flavors through simple techniques, combining tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy sauce in perfect harmony. The versatility of this dish allows for countless customizations while maintaining its essential character as a comforting, satisfying meal. Master this recipe and you’ll have a reliable go-to dinner that impresses family and guests alike while fitting seamlessly into your busy schedule.

Contact Us

Contact us at [email protected], and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

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