Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
A rich and creamy tuscan chicken pasta that combines tender chicken breasts with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. This wholesome 30-minute dish is perfect for a comforting family meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Greens
- 8 ounces penne or macaroni, uncooked
- 3 cups baby spinach
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or braiser over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, cut into 1-inch pieces, and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Add the unsalted butter to the same pot and melt over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Cook Pasta in Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and milk, then add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine, then add the uncooked penne pasta. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish Dish: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pot along with the baby spinach. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the chicken is warmed through and the spinach has wilted.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess in the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy depth; ensure they are well drained to prevent watering down the sauce.
- To save time, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, adjusting the cooking steps accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute milk for half of the heavy cream or use half-and-half.
- Spinach can be substituted or complemented with kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe/