Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory pasta dish infused with classic Italian flavors inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Tuscany. This comforting dish combines juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce, all tossed with pasta to create a delightful, flavor-packed meal. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve for guests or special occasions. In this guide, we’ll dive into every detail to ensure your Tuscan Chicken Pasta turns out deliciously creamy and flavorful every time.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta is inspired by the flavors of Italy, bringing together savory, herb-infused chicken, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, tender spinach, and a creamy sauce that perfectly coats every piece of pasta. The richness of the sauce combined with the slight tang of the sun-dried tomatoes and the earthiness of spinach makes this dish an all-around winner. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also versatile and can be adjusted to suit various dietary needs or preferences.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Slice the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. This will help the chicken cook faster and evenly.
2. Slice the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If they are not already sliced, slice the sun-dried tomatoes into thin strips for easy blending into the sauce.
3. Grate the Parmesan: Freshly grate the Parmesan cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that may prevent it from melting smoothly.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

• In a mixing bowl, season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

• In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken strips to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Pour in Chicken Broth and Cream: Add the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it slightly thickens. The sauce should be creamy and start to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Add Spinach and Parmesan: Stir in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the spinach to wilt and the Parmesan to melt into the sauce, stirring occasionally. Add salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Chicken

1. Return Chicken to the Skillet: Add the cooked chicken strips back into the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce.
2. Add Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine everything thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Final Adjustments

1. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the salt, pepper, and any additional Italian seasoning if needed.
2. Simmer Briefly: Let the pasta and sauce simmer together for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Tuscan Chicken Pasta immediately while it’s hot. You can garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or parsley for added flavor and color. Pair with:

• Garlic Bread: For an extra touch of indulgence.
• Side Salad: A fresh, simple salad balances the creaminess of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini make excellent side dishes.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and fresh spinach provide the best flavor and texture.
2. Sear the Chicken: Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor to the dish. Avoid overcrowding the pan for an even sear.
3. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente, as the pasta will cook a bit more when combined with the sauce.
4. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it to your preferred consistency.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts.
• Low-Carb: Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Additions: Try adding mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even a dash of white wine for extra flavor.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Storage and Reheating

To Store

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Although cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, you can freeze the pasta for up to a month if necessary.

To Reheat

1. Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.
2. Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Conclusion

Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its creamy sauce, packed with savory sun-dried tomatoes, tender spinach, and Parmesan cheese, makes it a standout choice for any dinner table. The combination of creamy, tangy, and savory notes provides the perfect balance, while the hearty pasta makes it wonderfully filling. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a special gathering, this Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory pasta dish infused with classic Italian flavors inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Tuscany. This comforting dish combines juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce, all tossed with pasta to create a delightful, flavor-packed meal. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve for guests or special occasions. In this guide, we'll dive into every detail to ensure your Tuscan Chicken Pasta turns out deliciously creamy and flavorful every time.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer.
   
4. Add the Parmesan and Spinach:
   Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce slightly. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
   
5. Combine with Pasta and Chicken:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sauce until well coated. Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet, stirring to combine everything.
   
6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot. Enjoy your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta!

Notes

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor, and pat them dry before chopping.
• Add-Ons: Try adding red pepper flakes for a hint of heat or extra Parmesan for a cheesier sauce.