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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe Quick Easy Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy creamy Tuscan chicken pasta dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich cream sauce for a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup (50 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
  • 3 cups (90 grams) fresh spinach
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) pasta (penne or rigatoni)

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 (9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, pat dry chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Sear chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove from pan and let rest.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to release flavor.
  7. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.
  8. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  9. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  10. Slice rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  11. Add chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet with sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  12. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen.
  13. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Warm through for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to get a perfect golden crust. Add garlic after chicken is cooked to avoid burning. Keep sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent cream from curdling. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture. Rest chicken before slicing to keep it juicy. Sauce thickens as it cools; add reserved pasta water to loosen if needed. Leftovers taste better the next day if reheated gently with added broth or cream.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe-quick-easy-dinner-idea/