Ingredients:

  • 5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and roughly chopped
  • 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 oz short pasta (Penne, Rigatoni, or Farfalle)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (35% fat)
  • 2 cups packed fresh spinach
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 2 Tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Season the cubed chicken generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large, deep pot or Dutch Oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches until golden brown on all sides (it does not need to be cooked through). Remove the chicken and set it aside, leaving any browned bits (fond) in the pot.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same pot. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
  5. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in the dry pasta. Ensure it is mostly submerged. Cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring every 3–4 minutes to prevent sticking.
  7. Test the pasta for al dente texture. If it is nearly done, return the seared chicken to the pot.
  8. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Allow it to simmer gently for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
  9. Stir in the fresh spinach until it has just wilted into the sauce.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish generously with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan before serving this ultimate One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta.