Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, a delightful dish that combines tender chicken and vibrant veggies in a luscious sauce. This recipe brings warmth to your kitchen and is perfect for a cozy dinner with loved ones, making it a must-try for any pasta enthusiast.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz of fettuccine or penne
Chicken Breast
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Spinach
- 2 cups of fresh spinach
Heavy Cream
- 1 cup of heavy cream
Garlic
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining, as it will help thicken the sauce later.
- Sauté the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together, and if the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with additional salt, pepper, or Italian herbs to taste. Allow the cheese to melt into the sauce before serving.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook when combined with the sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and spinach will enhance the flavors and overall quality of the dish.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, use some reserved pasta water to thin it out and add starch at the same time.
- Prep Ahead: You can prep the chicken and vegetables in advance to save time on busy weeknights.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving will help the flavors meld together.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, Italian Pasta, One-Pot Chicken Pasta