Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
A delectable dish combining chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips Cut into strips for even cooking.
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta Choose between penne or fettuccine, or any pasta that captures sauce well.
- 1 cup heavy cream Provides richness to the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Adds aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced Brings a sweet and tangy flavor.
- 2 cups fresh spinach Added at the end to ensure freshness.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Melts into the sauce for added flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Used for cooking the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon butter Enhances flavor when sautéing garlic.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Adds depth to the dish.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust to personal preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients and warm a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fill a pot with salted water and bring it to a boil for the pasta.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
Cooking
- Add olive oil to the hot skillet and sear the seasoned chicken strips on both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, allowing it to simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted into the cream.
- Incorporate the cooked pasta, seared chicken, and fresh spinach into the sauce, stirring to combine and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs before serving hot.
Notes
Presentation is key! Serve in shallow bowls and garnish as desired. Pair with a simple side salad or warm crusty bread. Keep in mind tips like using Al dente pasta and not overcooking the spinach for best results.