Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Cooking Notes
5. Variations
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish that brings together tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. This pasta is bursting with Tuscan-inspired flavors that create a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and roughly chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite type)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

• Season and Sear: Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest. Once slightly cooled, slice the chicken into strips.

2. Cook the Pasta

• Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

3. Make the Cream Sauce

• Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
• Add Liquid Ingredients: Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.

4. Combine Everything

• Add Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring until it wilts.
• Combine with Chicken and Pasta: Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat well in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

5. Serve

• Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley.
• Serve Warm: Serve the Tuscan chicken pasta warm, with extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Cooking Notes

• Chicken: You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs if preferred. Just ensure they are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor. Drain off the excess oil before adding them to the skillet.
• Spinach: Baby spinach works best because it wilts quickly and blends well with the sauce.

Variations

• Tuscan Shrimp Pasta: Replace the chicken with shrimp. Sear the shrimp until pink and set them aside before making the sauce. Add them back in before serving.
• Vegetarian Tuscan Pasta: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Tuscan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a bit of liquid if needed to loosen the sauce.

Can I freeze Tuscan Chicken Pasta?

The cream sauce may change texture when frozen, so freezing is not recommended. However, if you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

What can I serve with Tuscan Chicken Pasta?

This pasta pairs well with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! This dish works well with a variety of pasta types, including fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any night of the week. The combination of tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach make this a crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to impress.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors of Tuscan-inspired cooking right at home!

Let me know if you need more variations or additional tips for this recipe!