Delicious Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe

Ingredients

To prepare Delicious Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes, gather the following ingredients:

• For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz. fettuccine or penne pasta
  • Salt (for pasta water)

• For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• For the Sauce:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained & chopped)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (washed and roughly chopped)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
• For Garnish:
  • Fresh basil (chopped)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt is crucial as it flavors the pasta.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the fettuccine or penne pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. This starchy water will help thicken your sauce later if needed.
4. Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set it aside, tossing it with a dash of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will provide your chicken with a deliciously seasoned base.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
3. Sauté Until Golden: Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

1. Start the Base: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
2. Add Cream and Chicken Broth: Pour in the heavy cream followed by the chicken broth. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Their tangy flavor will beautifully complement the creamy sauce.
4. Add Spinach: Gradually fold in the fresh spinach until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
5. Season the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. The sauce should become thick and creamy; if too thick, you can add reserved pasta water, one splash at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine Pasta with Sauce

1. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Slice the chicken breasts into strips or pieces and add them back to the skillet. Toss in the cooked pasta, ensuring every strand is coated with the rich sauce.
2. Final Toss: Mix everything thoroughly for 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the amazing flavors of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Plating: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese on top.
• Optional Kick: If desired, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Variations and Tips

• Protein Alternatives: For a twist, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp or even add mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Pasta Variants: While fettuccine and penne are great options, feel free to explore other shapes like rotini or farfalle, which can hold the sauce well.
• Spinach Alternatives: If fresh spinach is unavailable, baby kale or even arugula can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
• Add More Veggies: Enhance nutritional value by incorporating vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus into the sauce. Sauté them with the garlic for added layers of flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: