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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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A quick and easy creamy chicken pasta dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces / 340 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach (about 90 grams)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces dry pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle recommended)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat dry the chicken breasts and season both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add chicken to the hot skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken from pan and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces or strips.
  4. Lower heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for another 1-2 minutes to toast and bring out their flavor.
  5. Toss in 3 cups fresh baby spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted, stirring occasionally.
  6. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream and ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Stir in ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is silky. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
  10. Plate immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a crack of black pepper.

Notes

Toast sun-dried tomatoes lightly to deepen flavor. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Simmer cream gently to prevent curdling. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes with garlic.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken pasta recipe, easy dinner, creamy pasta, Tuscan chicken, quick pasta recipe

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