Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Sun dried Tomato Pasta

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There's something about a creamy pasta dinner that feels just right as the days get shorter and Fall settles in. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken & Sun dried Tomato Pasta is filled with tender chicken, sweet and tangy sun dried tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, and pasta tossed in a rich, silky cream sauce. It's comforting without being fussy, comes together easily, and is exactly the kind of dinner I want simmering on the stove this time of year.

 

Creamy  Tuscan Chicken and Sundried Tomato Pasta

1 lb spaghetti, penne or fettuccine pasta

3 Tbsp. olive oil

1 1/4 lb chicken, breasts or thighs your choice

Kosher salt

Freshly ground pepper 

8 slices of thick cut bacon 

3 garlic cloves

1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

2/3 c. Parmesan cheese

3 cup baby spinach packed

 

 Preheat oven to 350

 Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water. Cook until al dente according to package directions or if you have made fresh home made egg pasta it will take less time.

Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. 

While the pasta is cooking,add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil to a large skillet, season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown on both sides over medium heat. Remove to a baking sheet and cover with foil. 

Transfer the chicken to oven and cook for 5-10 minutes, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes and slice.

While the chicken is baking, cook the bacon in the same skillet as chicken until crispy. Drain on paper towels then, chop it up.

Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for a minute over low heat. Add the sun dried tomatoes and cook one more minute. Season with salt and pepper, then add heavy cream, Parmesan, and 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Simmer on low until sightly reduced and thickened- about 3-5 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted about one minute. 

Next add the pasta, chicken and bacon and toss until the pasta is fully coated with the delicious sauce and meats are  distributed throughout the pasta.

I like to garnish with basil- fresh from my herb pot!

 

 As we enjoy these beautiful Fall days and start thinking about our move south to Scottsdale for the Winter, I' soaking up every bit of the season-and, of course, spending plenty of time in the kitchen. I've also had several requests from friends in our community for another cooking class, so perhaps it's time to get everyone back into the kitchen together! there will be golf and many tournaments waiting for me in Arizona, along with friends, sunshine , and many more recipes to share. Until then, I hope you'll pour a glass of red wine, make a big bowl of this pasta, and enjoy a cozy Fall evening.