Italian Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with vibrant flavor, the Italian Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe pairs tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with a luscious, creamy spinach sauce studded with sweet and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, all tossed with silky linguine pasta. Every bite sings with Italian-inspired goodness that’s both homey and elegant—ideal for impressing family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem simple individually, but combined, they create a symphony of textures and flavors that make this dish unforgettable. Each one plays a key role—from the seasoning that gives the chicken its crisp, flavorful crust to the creamy spinach sauce that envelopes the pasta in richness.

• All-purpose flour: The base for the chicken coating, providing that irresistible lightly crispy texture.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing flavors throughout the dish.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the seasoning blend.
• Italian seasoning: Infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean herbs that transport you straight to Italy.
• Powdered sugar: A surprising touch that enhances caramelization and balances acidity.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein centerpiece that absorbs all the delicious marinade and seasoning.
• Whole milk and lemon juice: Combine to create a buttermilk-like marinade that tenderizes and imparts subtle tang.
• Olive oil: Used for frying and sautéing, bringing fruity richness and ensuring a golden crust.
• Garlic, minced: Provides the aromatic foundation of the sauce with its pungent warmth.
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Finely diced, these bring a sweet and tangy pop that elevates every forkful.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that gives the sauce luscious creaminess without heaviness.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps build the sauce’s flavor complexity.
• Fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Wilts into the sauce, adding vibrant color and a fresh, earthy note.
• Heavy cream: Ensures the sauce is decadently smooth and enveloping.
• Parmesan cheese, grated: Melts into the sauce for a salty, nutty finish that coats every strand of pasta.
• Box of linguine noodles: The perfect pasta shape to catch and hold the creamy sauce and bits of tomato.

How to Make Italian Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by soaking the chicken breasts in a simple but magic marinade of whole milk and lemon juice. This mixture tenderizes the chicken beautifully, making it juicy and soft on the inside while adding a subtle tang that wakes up your taste buds. Let the chicken chill in this bath for at least two hours—it’s a small wait for that big payoff.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoning Mix

While the chicken marinates, mix up your coating blend with flour, kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and a surprising tablespoon of powdered sugar. This balance of savory herbs and a sprinkle of sweetness creates the perfect crust when fried, caramelizing just right to give you that mouthwatering exterior.

Step 3: Dredge and Brown the Chicken

Drain the marinated chicken, then coat each piece evenly with your seasoned flour mix. Heat olive oil in a skillet until just shimmering and sear the chicken for three minutes on each side. This quick browning builds flavor and locks in juices before finishing in the oven.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Transfer your beautifully browned chicken breasts onto a foil-lined baking sheet and pop them into a 350°F oven to finish cooking through. Baking allows the inside to cook gently and evenly while the outside stays crisp and flavorful. About 18-20 minutes will do the trick.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken bakes, boil your linguine according to the package instructions. Cook it until al dente—firm to the bite but fully cooked—since it will mingle with the sauce shortly, ready to soak up all those creamy, tangy flavors.

Step 6: Build the Sauce Base

In the skillet you used for the chicken, add the remaining olive oil or the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor boost. Sauté the minced garlic and diced sun-dried tomatoes over medium heat, letting their fragrance fill your kitchen and the tomatoes soften just slightly. This step creates a deeply aromatic foundation for the sauce.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Sprinkle one tablespoon of cornstarch over the tomatoes, stirring well to coat them and begin thickening. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps and cook until the sauce thickens gently, about five minutes. This creates that silky texture that will cling to every strand of pasta.

Step 8: Add the Creamy Spinach

In a small bowl, combine the remaining cornstarch with whole milk, whisking until smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet along with heavy cream, fresh spinach, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let everything simmer until the sauce thickens further and the spinach wilts soft, creating a gorgeous emerald-hued creaminess. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the end to enrich the sauce with a savory, melty finish.

Step 9: Combine and Serve

Finally, toss the cooked linguine directly into the skillet with your creamy spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce, ensuring every noodle is luxuriously coated. Plate the pasta alongside your golden-baked chicken breasts for a restaurant-worthy meal that feels like a warm hug.

How to Serve Italian Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a fresh herbaceous touch and beautiful color contrast. You might also add a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes if you like a subtle kick. These simple additions elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also complement the pasta beautifully, adding texture and nutrients to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the linguine nestled on a wide, shallow bowl with the chicken breast sliced and fanned over the top for an elegant touch. Or place a whole breast atop the pasta with the sauce spooned generously over both. Using rustic wooden boards or colorful plates can also add a cozy, inviting vibe that makes dinner feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Italian Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The dish stays flavorful and safe to eat for up to three days, making it a perfect option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

While the chicken and pasta can be frozen separately, the creamy sauce may change texture slightly after freezing. If you plan to freeze the dish, store components in separate freezer-safe containers and combine after thawing for best results. Frozen portions can last up to two months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened or dried out. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy without separating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through but remain tender.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can substitute with halved cherry tomatoes sautéed until soft, though the flavor won’t be quite as concentrated. For that classic tang, look for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil at your grocery store.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour and linguine for gluten-free alternatives. Make sure the Italian seasoning and other ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten to keep the dish safe and delicious.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of oil used. You can also add more spinach or other greens to bulk up the dish with extra nutrients and fiber.

Is it okay to prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken the day before and keep it refrigerated, and cook the pasta and sauce separately then reheat before serving. This makes weeknight dinners much easier without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way this Italian Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe combines simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful, and comforting meal. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a casual dinner party, this recipe invites you to savor every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your treasured favorites too!

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