Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Indulge in a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring succulent chicken, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a luxurious sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste Salt
- Pepper to taste Pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use, and set it aside.
Sautéing the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Cooking the Garlic and Tomatoes
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Then, add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Combining Chicken and Spinach
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts down, about 2–3 minutes.
Mixing in Pasta and Cheese
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine everything evenly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. If the pasta appears too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Touches
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
For best results, use fresh ingredients. Consider variations and substitutions for pasta, protein types, and dairy alternatives based on preferences. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.