Marry Me Chicken Casserole (Creamy Baked Pasta Dinner) - Quickie Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) short pasta, such as penne, rotini, or cavatappi
• 1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more for pasta water
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons oil from the sun-dried tomato jar, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup (55 g) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cubed and softened
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 packed cups (60 g) baby spinach
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water, as needed
• 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley