Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delightful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breast, sautéed garlic, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes all tossed in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. This comforting pasta meal combines vibrant flavors and creamy textures for a satisfying dinner that can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring there is no pink inside. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, taking care to not burn it.
- Cook Cherry Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they soften, releasing their juices and adding sweetness to the sauce.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, incorporating the vibrant green and nutrients into the dish.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir gently until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth, achieving the perfect consistency to coat the pasta.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pasta: Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the cooked pasta, tossing everything to ensure even coverage of the flavorful sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine well. Allow the mixture to cook together for a few minutes so that the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve: Dish the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta onto plates and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use any pasta type you prefer such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream alternative.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy depth; be sure to chop them finely for easy distribution.
- If fresh basil is unavailable, dried basil or parsley can be used as a garnish substitute.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
