Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta – This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe is a perfect combination of flavors that creates a decadent dinner dish. The dish features juicy and flavorful chicken cubes in a creamy sauce made with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The penne pasta completes the dish with its smooth texture, making it a filling and satisfying meal for any occasion. Try this recipe, and you’ll be sure to impress your family and friends.
My husband loves pasta, and I was looking for a new recipe to surprise him. I came across this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe, and it has become a household staple ever since. The first time I made it, he was blown away by the flavors and begged me to make it again. Now, it’s his go-to dish whenever we have company over, and it’s always a hit. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta is a recipe for success. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a favorite in your household too.
Why This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a Must-Try?
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe is a must-try because of its unique blend of ingredients that creates a heavenly flavor. The dish features juicy boneless chicken breast cubes seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, cooked to perfection in olive oil. The creamy sauce is made with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, adding an explosion of flavors to the dish. The penne pasta completes the meal with its smooth texture, making it a fulfilling and satisfying dinner option. With just a few ingredients and straightforward directions, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner with loved ones.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil (30 ml)
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter (28 g)
- 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes (900 g)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (2.5 g)
- 1/8 tsp black pepper (0.5 g)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (1.3 g)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups baby spinach (90 g)
- 8 oz. sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained (227 g)
- 3 cups heavy cream (720 ml)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
- 1/2 lb. penne pasta (227 g)
Directions:
Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Cook the seasoned chicken cubes on both sides until golden brown, then set aside to cool.
In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes (oil drained), and baby spinach over medium heat until the spinach has wilted.
Add the heavy cream and let the sauce come to a simmer.
Remove from heat and add the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted.
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
Add the cooked chicken cubes and the pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes:
- If you want to make the dish healthier, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. However, the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy.
- You can use any type of pasta that you have on hand, but penne is ideal as it holds the sauce well.
- To make the dish more colorful and flavorful, you can add some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce.
- If you’re using sun-dried tomatoes that are not in oil, you can rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water for 10-15 minutes.
In conclusion, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy Parmesan sauce is simply irresistible. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach but you’ll need to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess water before using it in the recipe.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use a different type of cheese if you prefer. However, Parmesan cheese works best in this recipe as it adds a nutty flavor to the sauce.
How long does the dish keep in the fridge?
The dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the dish?
It’s not recommended to freeze the dish as the cream sauce may separate and become grainy when reheated.
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil 30 ml
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter 28 g
- 2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast cut into cubes (900 g)
- 1/2 tsp Salt 2.5 g
- 1/8 tsp black pepper 0.5 g
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning 1.3 g
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3 cups baby spinach 90 g
- 8 oz. sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained (227 g)
- 3 cups heavy cream 720 ml
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 50 g
- 1/2 lb. penne pasta 227 g
Instructions
- Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Cook the seasoned chicken cubes on both sides until golden brown, then set aside to cool.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes (oil drained), and baby spinach over medium heat until the spinach has wilted.
- Add the heavy cream and let the sauce come to a simmer.
- Remove from heat and add the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- Add the cooked chicken cubes and the pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
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