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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich sauce, perfect for any family gathering or dinner event.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta Your choice of pasta to soak up that delicious sauce.
Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast Tender and juicy, the star of the dish.
Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil To sauté and infuse flavors.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Because garlic makes everything better!
  • 1 cup heavy cream This is where the creaminess comes from!
  • ½ cup chicken broth Adds depth to the sauce.
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped For a delightfully tangy twist.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning A blend of herbs to liven things up.
  • 1 cup fresh spinach For that vibrant green touch.
  • to taste Salt Always essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper Always essential for seasoning.
Garnish
  • to taste Fresh basil For garnishing and bringing it all together.
  • to taste Grated Parmesan cheese For garnishing and bringing it all together.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water.
Cooking Chicken
  1. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
  2. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, slice, and set aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the skillet, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom.
  3. Add the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes.
Combining Everything
  1. Add the cooked pasta and spinach to the skillet, mixing them well with the sauce.
  2. If it looks a bit thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Serving
  1. Top with sliced chicken, fresh basil, and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and serve immediately.

Notes

For lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use coconut cream for dairy-free option. Avoid overcooking chicken; check for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F or 74°C). Don't skip deglazing the skillet for added flavor.