Delicious Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A Creamy Delight Recipe

When the aroma of garlic, creamy sauce, and tender chicken wafts through your kitchen, you know it’s time for Tuscan Chicken Pasta. This dish is a culinary hug that wraps you in warmth, bringing together vibrant flavors that dance on your palate.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or need a quick meal after a long day, Tuscan Chicken Pasta is your go-to recipe. It promises to deliver an unforgettable taste experience with every creamy bite.

Sharing this dish has always brought smiles to my family’s faces, especially when they see the rich, creamy pasta piled high on their plates.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor and aroma.

• Pasta: Opt for fettuccine or penne; they hold the sauce beautifully.

• Heavy Cream: This adds a rich creaminess; low-fat versions won’t give the same luscious texture.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed with flavor; look for those packed in oil for extra richness.

• Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down nicely and adds a pop of color and nutrients.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan enhances flavor; avoid pre-grated versions if possible.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil and oregano brings depth to your sauce.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for cooking; it imparts a delightful taste.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors in this dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side.

Add Aromatics: Toss in minced garlic once the chicken is cooked through. Sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—ensuring not to burn it.

Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while scraping any brown bits from the skillet’s bottom. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning; let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Toss Everything Together: Add cooked pasta and fresh spinach into the sauce mixture. Combine gently until spinach wilts and everything is coated in creamy goodness.

Add Cheese: Finally, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over your masterpiece, stirring well until melted and incorporated throughout.

Enjoy each bite of Tuscan Chicken Pasta as it transports you straight to an Italian trattoria with its comforting flavors!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by searing the chicken until golden, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce. This order ensures everything finishes at the same time and maximizes flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Tuscan Chicken Pasta by swapping chicken for shrimp or adding spinach for extra greens. Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano for a personal twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Tuscan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to revive its luscious texture.

Sharing this dish with friends during a game night was priceless; their happy faces told me I had struck culinary gold with Tuscan Chicken Pasta.

FAQ

How can I make Tuscan Chicken Pasta healthier?

Consider using whole wheat pasta and adding more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with mushrooms or a plant-based protein for a delicious vegetarian option.

What wine pairs well with Tuscan Chicken Pasta?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully, enhancing the flavors.

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Tuscan Chicken Pasta

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Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy to your table. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. In just one pot, you can create a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people. 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1. **Cook the Pasta**: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2. **Sauté the Chicken**: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
3. 3. **Add Aromatics**: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. 4. **Create the Sauce**: Pour in heavy cream, scraping any bits off the skillet's bottom. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning; simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. 5. **Combine**: Add cooked pasta and spinach to the sauce, mixing gently until spinach wilts.
6. 6. **Finish with Cheese**: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dish, stirring until melted and creamy.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt. Customize by swapping chicken for shrimp or adding extra vegetables like zucchini.