Description
This Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta is a delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breast strips, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with pasta. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that combines comforting flavors and a luscious sauce made right on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to be added later.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce for 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 1–2 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to fully coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce.
- Simmer and Serve: Let everything simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes to heat through. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut for time-saving.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.
