· 2 tbsp butter
· 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
· 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
· 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped (optional, but highly recommended)
· 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio) or chicken broth
· 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
· 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
· 2 cups fresh spinach
· 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
· For Garnish:
· Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth). Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid is reduced by about half.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Do not boil. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Combine Everything: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until it just wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Add the cooked, drained pasta.
- Final Touch: Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
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