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Quick Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

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A fast and delicious creamy Tuscan chicken pasta ready in just 15 minutes, featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil in a medium pot. Add 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir gently and bring to a simmer. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
  5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Add chopped fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
  6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce feels too thick.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and let rest for a minute before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to get a nice golden sear. Stir sauce gently to prevent curdling when adding cheese. Adding reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce for a smooth finish. Fresh spinach is preferred over frozen to avoid excess moisture. Sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach pasta, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/quick-creamy-tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe-15-minutes-easy-and-delicious/