Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine); 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delightful meal that combines tender chicken, rich cream sauce, and vibrant spinach. It’s a perfect dinner choice for anyone who loves comfort food. This dish is not only delicious but also brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is great for so many reasons! First, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with pasta and chicken, creating a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that you may already have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Boil water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried basil. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, set aside, and slice it into strips.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, followed by the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sliced chicken. Toss everything to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Next, stir in the Parmesan cheese, spinach, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Serve this delicious pasta warm on a nice plate. You can top it with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. Enjoy with family or friends for a cozy dinner.

How to Store Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

If you have leftovers or want to make this dish ahead of time, it’s easy to store. Place the cooled pasta in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce creamy.

Tips to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness when mixing everything.
Feel free to add more veggies, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for extra flavor.

Variation

You can easily make this dish your own! Try using shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist or swap in other types of pasta. For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer! Penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti all work well.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just prepare everything and store it in the fridge. Reheat when you’re ready to eat.

3. Is it necessary to use sun-dried tomatoes?
While sun-dried tomatoes add a lot of flavors, you can skip them if you don’t have any. You can also use fresh tomatoes or a tomato-based sauce as an alternative.