Ingredients for Savory Chicken Pasta

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, ensuring tender bites throughout the dish. Cut evenly for uniform cooking.
• Penne pasta: The base of this delicious Savory Chicken Pasta Delight. Its ridges hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Cook al dente for best texture.
• Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, rich, and creamy sauce that defines this dish. Don’t substitute for a lighter milk for true indulgence.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami depth and helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grate for superior flavor and meltability.
• Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base, preventing the sauce from becoming too heavy. Use low-sodium to control overall saltiness.
• Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the chicken and aromatics, building the flavor foundation. Use good quality extra virgin for subtle richness.
• Yellow onion: Aromatic foundation, adding sweetness and depth to the sauce. Finely chop for even distribution and quicker softening.
• Minced garlic: Crucial for its pungent, aromatic kick, elevating the entire dish. Don’t burn; add it after the onion softens.
• Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: Introduces a concentrated, sweet-tart, umami burst, complementing the creamy sauce beautifully. Drain well before chopping.
• Fresh spinach: Adds a vibrant color, a touch of freshness, and healthy greens. It wilts down quickly into the warm pasta.
• Kosher salt: The most essential seasoning, enhancing all other flavors in the dish. Adjust to your preference after tasting the sauce.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Provides a subtle spice and aromatic kick. Grind fresh for the best, most vibrant peppery flavor.
• Italian seasoning: A convenient blend of herbs that imparts classic Italian-American flavors. Rub between your palms to release aroma.
• Fresh parsley: A bright, herbaceous garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh finishing note. Stir in just before serving.

How to Make Savory Chicken Pasta

Prep Ingredients:

Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces, finely chop the onion, mince garlic, and chop sun-dried tomatoes. Have your spinach and seasonings ready. This initial prep ensures smooth cooking for your Savory Chicken Pasta.

Cook Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics:

In the same skillet, add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn.

Create Sauce:

Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer, cooking until the sauce slightly thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Boil Pasta:

While the sauce simmers, cook penne pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water just in case.

Combine Dish:

Return cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and fresh spinach. Toss everything gently until the spinach wilts and the pasta is coated in the creamy Savory Chicken Pasta sauce.

Serve Warm:

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish your delicious Savory Chicken Pasta with fresh chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for best enjoyment.

How to Store Savory Chicken Pasta

To keep your Savory Chicken Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Beyond this, pasta can become mushy and the sauce might separate. Don’t leave it out too long, as I once did, leading to an unpleasant surprise! Check for off smells or slimy texture as signs of spoilage.

Prep chicken and chop vegetables up to two days ahead, storing separately. The sauce can also be made in advance. For the best fresh texture, assemble the full dish just before serving.

Reheat gently. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

What to Serve with Savory Chicken Pasta

To serve this Savory Chicken Pasta, simply plate it warm, fresh from the skillet. For a beautiful presentation, especially for guests, garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect when paired with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, allowing the rich pasta to truly shine. Enjoy it immediately for the best taste!

I personally love to serve this Savory Chicken Pasta family-style, straight from the skillet. It’s perfect with warm, crusty bread to soak up every bit of that luscious, creamy sauce. This approach makes dinner truly enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute heavy cream for a lighter option in this Savory Chicken Pasta Delight?

I’ve tried lighter creams, but they don’t give the same rich thickness. While you can use half-and-half, the sauce might be thinner and less creamy. For best results, stick with heavy cream for that luscious texture.

→ How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry in the Savory Chicken Pasta?

The key is not to overcook it. Sear the chicken just until browned on the outside and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, then remove it from the pan. Return it only at the very end to combine.

→ Can I make this Savory Chicken Pasta Delight recipe gluten-free easily?

Yes, absolutely! Simply swap the regular penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.

→ How long does the cooked Savory Chicken Pasta stay fresh in the fridge?

You can store leftover Savory Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Beyond that, the pasta can get a bit mushy, and the sauce might separate. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.

→ Can I freeze this Savory Chicken Pasta Delight recipe for future meals?

Freezing creamy pasta dishes isn’t ideal, as the sauce often separates and pasta texture changes upon thawing. I don’t recommend freezing the assembled dish. Instead, prep components like cooked chicken and chopped vegetables ahead for easier assembly later.