Easy Amazing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Easy Amazing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Introduction
Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly you can bring this restaurant-quality dish to your own table! Our Easy Amazing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta delivers incredible depth of flavor and a comforting richness that will make it an instant family favorite. Tender chicken breast, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach are lovingly bathed in a luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, yet tastes like pure homemade heaven – perfect for a weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni)
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- 2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- 3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- 4. Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 5. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
- 6. Create the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- 7. Add Spinach and Combine: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- 8. Finish the Dish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add More Veggies: Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even asparagus would make excellent additions to this dish. Sauté them with the onion and garlic.
- Leftover Storage: Store any leftover Tuscan chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Chicken Thighs Option: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for an even more tender and flavorful result. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 720 kcal
- Protein: Approximately 50 g
- Fat: Approximately 40 g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45 g
- Fiber: Approximately 3 g
- Sugars: Approximately 4 g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Absolutely! While fettuccine, penne, or rigattoni work wonderfully, feel free to use any medium-sized pasta you prefer, such as rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti.
- Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: While best served fresh, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently, cook the pasta fresh, and combine everything.
- Q: Is there a way to make this dish lighter? A: You can reduce the creaminess by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or by using a combination of broth and a smaller amount of cream. You can also increase the amount of spinach or add other non-starchy vegetables.
- Q: What can I serve with this pasta? A: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread are perfect accompaniments to this rich and flavorful pasta dish.