Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

If serving with pasta, start a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and boil until al dente (check a few minutes before the package instructions indicate). When cooked, drain the pasta. If it finishes before the sauce, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. If serving with chicken, cook the chicken following Step 1 and 2 of this Garlic Chicken recipe.

Meanwhile, heat a large sauté pan or saucepan over medium low heat. Melt the butter, then add the garlic and thyme and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic is lightly browned and fragrant. Add the milk, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese has melted and it thickens slightly. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and salt, and cook 2 to 3 minutes more, until the spinach is wilted.

In a small bowl, mix the flour with 2 tablespoons water. Pour it into the pan with the sauce, then stir until it thickens. Cook 2 minutes more.

Add the drained pasta and stir to combine (or, add the cooked chicken back to the pan and warm each side for 1 minute). Stir in a few grinds of fresh ground black pepper if desired. Serve immediately. Leftovers last refrigerated for up to 3 days.