Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Method

1. 1Season and sear the chicken. Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat the sun-dried tomato oil in a large, wide skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer — do not crowd. Sear 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove to a plate and rest. Do not wipe the pan — the fond (browned bits stuck to the bottom) is a layer of flavor you need for the sauce. Using the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar rather than plain olive oil adds a subtle depth to the base.
2. 2Build the sauce base. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the same pan and cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and chilli flakes and stir for 60 seconds — do not let the garlic brown or it will turn bitter. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir 1 minute. Pour in the white wine and let it bubble vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes, scraping up all the fond from the bottom of the pan. The wine deglazes the fond and adds acidity. Let the wine reduce by about half.
3. 3Make the cream sauce. Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add the double cream and stir to combine. Simmer over medium-low heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon. Add the Parmesan and stir until melted. Taste the sauce — it should be rich, tangy from the tomatoes, slightly sweet, and savory. Add salt and pepper. Do not boil the sauce vigorously after adding the cream, as it can break and look grainy.
4. 4Cook the pasta and combine. While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in generously salted water until just shy of al dente. Reserve at least 200 ml of pasta water. Slice or shred the rested chicken and return it to the sauce. Add the baby spinach and stir until just wilted — 1 minute. Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce and toss over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water a splash at a time until the consistency is loose and coating. The pasta should finish cooking in the sauce.
5. 5Finish and serve. Taste and adjust seasoning one final time. Serve immediately in warmed bowls with extra Parmesan grated over the top and a final crack of black pepper. The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits — if serving slightly later, keep covered and add a splash of pasta water to loosen when plating. Fresh basil leaves or flat-leaf parsley scattered over the top adds color and a fresh counterpoint to the richness of the sauce.