Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, sliced into thin cutlets
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp oil reserved from sun-dried tomato jar
- 0.5 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup fresh mozzarella, shredded
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
Instructions:
- Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside to rest.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the paste darkens and becomes fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping the bottom to release the browned bits. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and red pepper flakes. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and emulsified.
- Add the baby spinach and allow it to wilt into the sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and the seared chicken. Thin the sauce with a splash of pasta water if necessary before serving.