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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

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A quick and comforting 30-minute dinner featuring tender chicken and pasta coated in a garlicky, herby creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred) or roasted red peppers as substitute
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta (gluten-free pasta optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook 1-2 minutes to release flavor.
  5. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  7. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  8. Return cooked chicken to skillet. Add drained pasta and ¼ cup reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Toss gently to coat and heat through 1-2 minutes.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce and help it cling to pasta. Simmer sauce gently to avoid separation. Freshly grate Parmesan for smooth melting. Optional crushed red pepper flakes add gentle heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, easy dinner, 30-minute meal, creamy pasta, chicken pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner-idea/