Indulge in the comfort of creamy Tuscan chicken pasta in under 30 minutes! 🍝✨ Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a taste of Tuscany. #DeliciousDinner
Satisfying your cravings with a mouthwatering meal, few dishes are as comforting and delightful as creamy Tuscan chicken pasta under 30 minutes. The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and creamy sauce over al dente pasta is a culinary masterpiece. So, let’s dive into this quick and easy recipe that is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or when
you’re craving Tuscany.
What is Tuscan chicken pasta made of?
Tuscan chicken pasta is a delightful Italian-inspired dish known for its rich and creamy sauce paired with tender chicken and pasta. Here are the main ingredients typically used to make Tuscan chicken pasta.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are often used. Before cooking, they are usually seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Pasta: Fettuccine is a common choice for Tuscan chicken pasta, but you can use other varieties like penne, linguine, or spaghetti.
- Tuscan Sauce: The sauce is a creamy concoction with heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These tomatoes, typically packed in oil, add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. They are chopped and added to the sauce.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds a vibrant green color and a nutritious element to the dish. It’s added to the sauce and wilts as it cooks.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to cook chicken and sautéing ingredients like garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary is used to season the chicken and sauce, imparting that distinct Italian flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: This cheese thickens the sauce and adds a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: These seasonings are used to taste, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.
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.
Notes
- Start boiling water for pasta first.
- While the water is heating for the pasta, prepare the Tuscan chicken.
- This involves seasoning and baking the chicken.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- When the pasta is done, start making sauce.
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