You will definitely add this delicious meal to your dinner rotation. It's quick and easy to make and oh so satisfying and comforting.
2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts, pounded to 1 in. thickness or 4 boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets
salt and pepper
1/2 t. paprika
1/2 t. dried parsley
1 T. olive or canola oil, divided
2 T. butter
1 small yellow onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, finely diced
1/3 c. white wine or chicken stock/broth
9 oz. jarred sun-dried tomato strips in oil (reserve 2 T. oil, draining the rest)
3 level T. flour
2 c. chicken stock/broth
3 c. whole milk, light cream or half and half, divided
2 t. dried Italian herbs
10 oz. elbow macaroni. uncooked (3 c.)
3 c. baby spinach
1 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 c. Mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 c. grated Cheddar or Gruyere cheese
2 T. freshly chopped parsley
Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, dried parsley and 2 t. oil. Heat the remaining oil in a large 12 inch pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken; sear on all sides until golden brown, cooked through and no longer pink in the middle. Transfer chicken to a warm plate/platter; tent with foil; set aside.
To the same pan, add the butter; fry onion and garlic until onion becomes transparent, stirring occasionally for about 2 minutes. Pour in wine; allow to simmer for 5 minutes, or until beginning to reduce.
Add sun-dried tomatoes with 2 T. of the sun dried tomato oil from the jar; cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir flour into the pan; cook for 1 minute; add stock/broth, 2 1/2 c. milks (or cream/half and half), herbs, salt and pepper; bring to a very low simmer.
Add the dry macaroni; stir occasionally as it comes to a simmer; reduce heat down to medium-low; stir occasionally while it cooks for 9 - 10 minutes, or until sauce thickens and macaroni is cooked al dente, tender but still firm. Add spinach; stir until wilted.
Remove pot off heat; stir all of the cheese in quickly. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. If sauce it too thick, add the remaining 1/2 c. milk or cream in 1/4 c. increments, until reaching desired thickness. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Slice chicken into strips; stir through the pasta; pour in juices left from the chicken. Sprinkle with parsley; stir.
Serve immediately.
6 servings.
*Whole milk is preferred for maximum flavor, but low-fat milk is alright. A light cream, heavy cream or evaporated milk could also be used.
**For added cream flavor, add in 1/2 c. light or heavy cream right before adding in the spinach, allowing it to get hot before adding in the spinach.