Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

Step 1

Whisk together seasonings listed under “Chicken” in a medium bowl. Drizzle then rub tops of chicken evenly with 1/2 tablespoon sun dried tomato olive oil then rub with half of Chicken Seasonings. Flip chicken over and repeat using remaining Chicken Seasonings. Let rest while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2

Cook pasta al dente according to package directions in salted water. Remove 1 cup pasta water before draining. Toss pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking. Set aside.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato olive oil in very large skillet with sides over medium high heat. Once very hot, add chicken and cook, undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, or until nicely browned on one side. Turn chicken over, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Cook for approximately 3-5 more minutes (depending on thickness of chicken), or until chicken is cooked through. Remove to a cutting board and tent with foil, do not clean out pan. Wait until ready to serve to slice or chop chicken.

Step 4

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato olive oil over medium-low heat in the same skillet. Add sun-dried tomatoes and shallots and sauté 3-4 minutes, until shallots are tender, scraping up any brown bits left from chicken. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook an additional 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour and cook while stirring for 1 minute (it will be thick).

Step 5

Turn heat to low then slowly whisk in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Stir in chicken bouillon and spices then increase heat to medium high to bring sauce to a simmer. Simmer until thickened, stirring often. Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, followed by mozzarella cheese until melted.

Step 6

Stir in pasta until well coated followed by spinach. Add additional reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach desired consistency. Add sliced or chopped chicken and stir into pasta. Garnish with additional Parmesan if desired.

Step 7

Taste and season with additional salt, pepper and/or red pepper flakes to taste. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan Cheese and basil if desired.