Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Rotini

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal to impress your family or guests, look no further than Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Rotini. This dish combines tender chicken bites with creamy cheese and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, all tossed with rotini pasta. It’s a comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Rotini is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup for you. Second, the combination of flavors—creamy, cheesy, and savory—will satisfy any palate. Finally, it’s relatively quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.

How to Make Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Rotini

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups baby spinach
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in Parmesan cheese and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until softened. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then add Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, tossing everything together until well-coated.
6. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

How to Serve Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Rotini

Serve your Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Rotini hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle additional fresh basil on top for extra flavor!

How to Store Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Rotini

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help revive the sauce.

Tips to Make Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Rotini

• Use fresh chicken for the best flavor.
• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite veggies.
• Make sure to stir the sauce frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

Variation

You can easily adapt this recipe by using different types of pasta or protein. For a vegetarian version, try substituting the chicken with mushrooms or zucchini. You can also use penne or fusilli pasta if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
   Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking.

2. What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
   You can skip them or use fresh tomatoes for a lighter flavor.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead but store the pasta separately for best texture when reheating.