Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and pasta. It’s a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for a special dinner or a cozy weeknight meal. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), seasoned with salt and pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (jarred, drained and chopped)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti works great)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Cook the pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
   • Remove the chicken from the skillet, set it aside, and let it rest for a few minutes. Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
   • Add the sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes to release their flavor.
   • Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and loosen any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.
   • Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Combine the Ingredients:

   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian seasoning (if using), and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
   • Add the fresh spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.

5. Add the Pasta and Chicken:

   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
   • Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and toss to combine everything.

6. Serve:

   • Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
   • Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Optional Add-ins:

• Veggies: You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
• Cheese: For extra creaminess, add more Parmesan or a bit of cream cheese to the sauce.
• Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano can be added for a burst of fresh herb flavor.

Enjoy!

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the richness of a creamy sauce with the savory flavor of chicken and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special night in