Marry Me Chicken Pasta

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp sundried tomato oil from jar (divided, (or olive oil) $0.00)
• 1 lb. chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes (2 breasts, 453g) $2.57*)
• 1 tsp salt (divided, $0.04)
• 1 tsp black pepper (divided, (freshly cracked) $0.16)
• ½ onion (small dice, (1 cup, 155g) $0.30)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced, (2 Tbsp) $0.24)
• ½ cup sundried tomatoes (packed in oil, (thinly sliced, 90g) $1.97)
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste ($0.16)
• 2½ cups chicken broth (20oz., $0.33**)
• 8 oz. penne pasta (uncooked, $0.49***)
• 1½ tsp Italian seasoning ($0.30)
• ½ cup heavy cream (room temperature, (4oz.) $0.62)
• ⅓ cup frozen spinach (thawed and pressed, (80g) $0.30****)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated, (40g) $0.96)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Gather and prepare all ingredients.

2. 2

   In a large skillet or Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of sundried tomato oil. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season evenly with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper.

3. 3

   Once hot, add the cubed chicken to the skillet in an even layer. Sear in batches if needed. Cook the chicken undisturbed for 3 minutes, then flip, and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

4. 4

   Turn the heat to medium and add the remaining sundried tomato oil, onions, garlic, and sliced sundried tomatoes. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften.

5. 5

   Add the tomato paste and stir for about 1 minute.

6. 6

   Add the chicken broth, penne pasta, remaining salt and pepper, Italian seasoning, and the chicken with any of their drippings to the skillet. Stir to combine.

7. 7

   Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a medium simmer. Place a lid on top and cook for 10 minutes.

8. 8

   After 10 minutes, stir the ingredients, making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. Place the lid back on and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes.

9. 9

   Remove the lid and check on the doneness of the pasta. Add an additional splash of chicken broth if they are not fully cooked and the pan gets dry. Once cooked, turn off the heat.

10. 10

    Stir in the heavy cream and frozen spinach until warmed and combined.

11. 11

    Sprinkle on the fresh Parmesan and enjoy.