Tuscan Chicken Pasta Creamy (Print)

Chicken, tomatoes, spinach, and pasta meet a creamy, garlic Parmesan sauce for rich Italian comfort in every bite.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced into strips

→ Pasta

02 - 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
06 - 3 cups fresh baby spinach

→ Dairy & Sauces

07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/4 cup chicken broth
09 - 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
11 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
12 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
02 - Season chicken strips with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian herbs.
03 - Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken strips and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
05 - Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to blend. Simmer gently until heated through.
06 - Stir in Parmesan cheese and the remaining Italian herbs. Let the sauce thicken for 2 to 3 minutes.
07 - Add fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until wilted.
08 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss to combine with sauce. If sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until desired consistency.
09 - Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Serve immediately garnished with additional Parmesan, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses everyday ingredients found in most kitchens
  • Easy clean-up with one pan for the sauce and only one pot for pasta
  • Ready in just about forty minutes from start to finish
  • Family favorite that pleases picky eaters and adults alike
  • Great for leftovers the next day
02 -
  • Packed with protein and leafy greens for a power meal
  • Sauce clings beautifully to both penne and fettuccine
  • Easily doubles for meal prep or feeding a crowd
03 -
  • Always brown your chicken well for deeper flavor in the sauce Pat it dry before cooking for a better sear
  • Do not skimp on freshly grated Parmesan—pre-grated never melts quite the same And if your sauce gets too thick ladle in some reserved pasta water while tossing for a truly luscious finish

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