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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 13 reviews

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, a creamy Parmesan sauce, fresh spinach, and both cherry and sun-dried tomatoes, served over perfectly cooked pasta. This comforting Italian-inspired meal is perfect for a hearty dinner that brings vibrant flavors and creamy textures together in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
  2. Season Chicken: In a bowl, season the sliced chicken breasts with paprika, salt, and black pepper to ensure they are well flavored.
  3. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken slices and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried Italian seasoning, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their flavors.
  5. Make Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring gently to combine. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy, rich, and smooth.
  7. Wilt Spinach: Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until they are wilted and incorporated into the sauce.
  8. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, and serve the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta warm for best flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less thick.
  • Use gluten-free pasta if you need to make this dish gluten-free.
  • For added heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic and tomatoes.
  • Fresh basil can be swapped for parsley based on your preference.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, Italian pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta, Tuscan chicken, dinner recipe, pasta with spinach and tomatoes

Find it online: https://maicook.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe/