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Creamy 30-Minute Tuscan Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy creamy Tuscan chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a velvety sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup chicken broth (homemade or low sodium store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz penne pasta (about 225 g)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup white wine (optional, can substitute with more broth)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Add chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.
  5. Pour in 1/4 cup white wine (or extra chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Let simmer and reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add 1 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add 2 cups fresh baby spinach. Cook until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
  7. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Return cooked chicken to the pan along with drained pasta. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy Tuscan sauce.
  9. Season with additional salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Adjust sauce thickness with broth or cream as needed. Can substitute chicken thighs for breasts with slight cooking time adjustment. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use brown rice pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-30-minute-tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-and-delicious/