Description
This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta recipe combines tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a rich, flavorful sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta. A comforting and elegant Italian-inspired dish that comes together in under 45 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Greens
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later with the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while stirring to combine. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Parmesan and Spinach: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce slightly. Add the fresh spinach leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and integrates into the sauce.
- Combine with Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it well to coat with the creamy sauce. Slice the cooked chicken breasts and fold them back into the skillet, mixing everything together evenly.
- Serve: Garnish the Tuscan chicken pasta with freshly chopped basil and serve hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though sauce will be less rich.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can add extra richness; drain if using dry-packed.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Fresh spinach is best for a vibrant color and taste; baby spinach can be substituted.
