Hey there! Are you looking for a dinner that feels fancy but is actually super easy to make? I’ve got just the thing. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a winner every time. It’s got tender chicken, a rich, creamy sauce with sun dried tomatoes and spinach, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or even when you have guests over. You won’t believe how quickly it comes together!
Ingredients Needed
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12 ounces pasta (like fettuccine, penne, or rotini)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat
Step By Step Making
First things first, let’s get that pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente, which means it’s cooked through but still has a little bite. Before you drain it, scoop out about a cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. This will be our secret weapon for the sauce!
Now, let’s get started on the chicken and sauce. While your pasta is cooking, pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Season them generously with salt and pepper. This helps bring out the flavor.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t wipe out the skillet , those browned bits are packed with flavor!
Lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. You might need to add a tiny bit more butter or oil if the pan seems dry.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onions. Cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.
Now for the creamy goodness! Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Add the chopped sun dried tomatoes and stir them in. If you like a little kick, now’s the time to add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken a bit. This is where the magic happens and the flavors meld together.
Stir in the fresh spinach. It will look like a lot, but it wilts down quickly. Cook, stirring, until the spinach is completely wilted, which only takes a minute or two.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if needed. Remember, Parmesan cheese is salty, so taste before you add extra salt.
Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.
Serve immediately. You can garnish with a little extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy your delicious homemade Tuscan Chicken Pasta!
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving)
This is an estimate, as exact values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Protein: Around 35-40 grams
Calories: Approximately 600-750 calories
Carbs: Roughly 40-50 grams
Health Benefits
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta offers a good balance of nutrients. Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in your body. Protein also helps you feel full and satisfied after a meal.
The spinach in the sauce adds a boost of vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. These are important for your immune system, vision, and energy levels. Sun dried tomatoes provide antioxidants, which help protect your body from damage.
While it’s a creamy dish, using chicken broth and a moderate amount of heavy cream keeps it from being overly heavy. When paired with whole wheat pasta, you can also get some added fiber. This meal, when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, can be a delicious way to get essential nutrients. For more ideas on wholesome meals, check out this Simple Sweet Potato Black Bean Hash from Azeely.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by azeely.com for general informational purposes only.
