Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Decadent One-Pot Delight
Few culinary creations are as comforting and delightful as Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. This fantastic dish combines juicy, perfectly cooked chicken, bright sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all wrapped in a rich, creamy sauce. Each bite is a burst of delicious flavors that reminds you of the heartwarming essence of Italian cooking, making it a perfect choice for a cozy night in or a fun gathering with friends and family. Plus, it’s super easy to make, adding to its charm and making it a favorite in your collection of go-to recipes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Simple prep and minimal cleanup.
- Restaurant Quality: Bring the flavor of a fine Italian restaurant to your home.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt to your favorite ingredients or dietary needs.
Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Protein Options: Swap the chicken for shrimp or a vegetarian protein like tofu or chickpeas.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
- Lighter Version: To make the sauce lighter, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta with:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or arugula salad complements the richness of the pasta.
- White Wine: A glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the dish.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking.
FAQs About Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Fettuccine, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta all work beautifully with this recipe.
2. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that all other ingredients (like chicken broth) are gluten-free.
3. What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can substitute with cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
4. Is there a dairy-free version?
Absolutely! Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
5. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it, or mix 1 tsp of cornstarch with 2 tsp of water and stir it into the sauce.
6. Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce beforehand, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, a beautiful blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty pasta. It transforms any meal into an elegant experience, perfect for weeknights or special gatherings. Embrace this recipe today and elevate your dinner to an Italian-inspired celebration!
Creamy Tuscan chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2- boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2- tablespoons of olive oil
- 1- teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1/2- teaspoon paprika
- 1/2- teaspoon garlic powder
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) of pasta or your choice of pasta
- 2- tablespoons olive oil
- 1- small onion, finely chopped
- 3- cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 -cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 -cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1- cup baby spinach
- 1- cup heavy cream
- 1/2- cup chicken broth
- 1/2 -cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1- teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.
Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 400℉
- Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and sear it for 2-3 minutes per side or until a golden-brown crust forms on the surface.
- Finish cooking chicken in an oven for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 F (74C ).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into thin strips. Set aside.
Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- Add 2- tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cherry tomatoes start to soften.
- Add the spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and dried basil. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.